Tom Aspinall is increasingly annoyed by the continued delays in finalizing his highly anticipated heavyweight clash with Jon Jones.
Discussions for a significant unification fight between the interim champion, Aspinall, and the undisputed titleholder, Jones, have been ongoing since last November.
Earlier this month, the fight seemed to progress significantly when reports emerged that Jones had reached an agreement with UFC management.
However, the fight`s scheduling has stalled, much to Aspinall`s irritation.
Speaking to One on One MMA, Aspinall stated, “We need to determine who the actual heavyweight champion is.”
“If it’s not Jon Jones, then step aside, and I will claim the title and fight someone else. I`m perfectly fine with that.”
When asked about his preferred timeline for the unification bout, he simply replied: “ASAP [as soon as possible].”
Sources indicate that Dana White and UFC officials initially considered Jones vs. Aspinall for UFC 317 on June 28.
Aspinall is enthusiastic about headlining the promotion`s International Fight Week event against the former pound-for-pound king.
“I like that, I like it,” said Aspinall, 31. “Any date works for me, and I’ve communicated that to the UFC; I’m ready whenever.”
MMA enthusiasts worldwide hope Aspinall will finally get his chance to face Jones this summer.
However, veteran reporter Ariel Helwani recently reported that Jones desires at least six months to prepare for his second defense of the heavyweight title.
During Uncrowned`s UFC 313 recap, Helwani commented, “The window is closing for a summer fight between Jones and Aspinall.”
“I`ve been told that Jon wants a six-month preparation period once the fight is officially set.”
“Six months from now would be September.”
“While financial incentives are powerful, it seems that a summer fight – if that was the aim – is becoming less likely.”
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Jones vs. Aspinall, UFC president White is confident that the fight, which he believes could be the “biggest” in UFC history, will happen.
In an appearance on The Jim Rome Show, White stated, “The plan is for Aspinall to fight Jon this summer.”
“The specifics of when and where are still being worked out.”
“My goal this year is to make the Aspinall fight happen.”
Jones has not fought since successfully defending his undisputed title with a knockout victory over former champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last November.
Aspinall`s last fight was in July at UFC 304 in Manchester, where he achieved a quick 60-second TKO victory in a rematch against Curtis Blaydes.
Elton Marrow