Tom Aspinall has responded to what is being called “leaked” information concerning his next fight.
Since November, the heavyweight fighter from Wigan was on track for a significant title unification match against the acclaimed MMA figure Jon Jones.
However, this highly anticipated clash has not happened, despite the UFC organization reportedly adjusting their standard pay structure and agreeing to Jones` demand for significant compensation, referred to as “F**K YOU MONEY,” for the bout.
Aspinall, 32, appears to be moving on from the potential confrontation with Jones, whom he claims has retired. Aspinall recently stated that his next fight would be announced very soon.
Speculation from MMA fans suggests that Aspinall`s videographer may have accidentally revealed that the interim heavyweight champion`s next opponent will be Cyril Gane.
The alleged “leak” occurred when the videographer asked Aspinall during a recent meeting if Paddy Pimblett would be a “good training partner” for Gane.
The popular fight news page Freak MMA shared the video clip on Instagram with the caption: “Did Tom Aspinall`s cameraman accidentally leak Aspinall vs Cyril Gane?”
Among the many comments, one fan argued that the cameraman`s comment was simply “northern humour.”
Aspinall responded to the post by writing “this” along with an upward-pointing hand and laughing emojis.
He later added, accompanied by another laughing emoji: “I’m training for Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida this week.”
Aspinall has been in a state of uncertainty for the past few months as former pound-for-pound king Jones has hesitated regarding the possibility of retirement.
Nevertheless, the fighter from Atherton recently mentioned that he has a date and location set for his upcoming fight.
MMA enthusiasts are still holding onto the hope that Aspinall`s next fight will be against Jones, but their optimism is rapidly fading.
UFC CEO and President Dana White`s previous strong conviction that the fight would happen also seems to be diminishing.
During the UFC 316 post-fight press conference, White admitted: “Listen, you can’t make people fight.”
He continued, “If Jon doesn’t want to fight, you can’t make him fight.”
“We can try to encourage him, we can offer incentives that might make him want to fight. But we’ll figure it out,” he added.
White later reiterated, “Jon Jones agreed to do the fight.”
“Jon Jones was offered the deal and accepted the deal. Jon agreed to fight Tom, yes.”
He concluded, “You guys have heard me say for a long time, `I guarantee this fight is going to happen. This fight’s going to happen.`”
“You guys have told me about the crazy stuff happening on Instagram and elsewhere.”
“But yes, I’ve been saying Jon is going to fight Tom.”
Elton Marrow