Jon Jones Addresses Aspinall Chants at UFC 309 Press Conference

Jon Jones, who first became UFC champion at age 23, instructed fans to “knock it off” when they chanted Tom Aspinall’s name during the news conference for UFC 309 in New York on Saturday. Jones is scheduled to defend his heavyweight title against fellow American Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden. However, interim champion Aspinall has largely shaped the discussion surrounding the event this week. The crowd chanted “Tommy, Tommy” while UFC president Dana White stated that the victor “should absolutely fight” Aspinall next. Throughout fight week, Jones, 37, has largely dismissed inquiries regarding Aspinall, asserting his lack of interest in a bout with the 31-year-old Briton. White delivered his remarks while standing next to Jones, who smiled as the crowd initiated their chants. Regarding White’s statements, Jones commented, “I have no reaction. Right now I am focused on Saturday. That’s the biggest thing for me right now.” He further added, “I did a really long press conference yesterday. I feel like I broke it down for everyone, exactly how I felt [about Aspinall].” Aspinall secured the interim title one year ago by stepping in on 17 days’ notice to defeat Russia’s Sergei Pavlovich, following an injury that withdrew Jones from his initial fight against Miocic. Instead of arranging a unification title bout, Jones was rescheduled to face 42-year-old Miocic. Jones stated his refusal to fight Aspinall, explaining that “it does nothing for my legacy,” and subsequently used an expletive when referring to him. Aspinall, who serves as the main event’s back-up fighter, has publicly teased Jones in an effort to provoke an undisputed fight, even purchasing a toy rubber duck for his dog after supporters suggested Jones was “ducking” him. Aspinall later posted on social media a picture of himself in a T-shirt inscribed with “Hello Jon”, and “I have nothing against you personally, I just think I’m better than ya”. Despite Jones smiling on stage and engaging humorously with the lively audience, the persistent discussion surrounding Aspinall has reportedly irritated the two-weight UFC champion. He departed an interview with British broadcaster TNT Sports prior to its commencement, apprehensive of facing additional questions about Aspinall. White lauded Jones, the youngest UFC champion in the organization’s history, as the greatest ever while on stage. His professional record shows only one loss, a disqualification defeat to Matt Hamill in 2009. White affirmed, “As long as this guy is active he’s the best.” Miocic, in contrast, largely provided concise responses. The fighter from Ohio is a two-time heavyweight champion, widely considered the greatest heavyweight in UFC history, yet he is a significant underdog in his upcoming match against Jones. He has not competed since his 2021 defeat by Francis Ngannou; however, a win against Jones would establish him as the promotion’s inaugural three-time heavyweight champion. After Jones expressed disapproval of language Miocic used in an interview, stating that “respect was out of the window,” Miocic disregarded his opponent’s grievances. Miocic responded, “[Jones] was calling me out saying he was going to beat my ass in front of a whole arena. Sorry for defending myself.” The face-off concluded without significant incident, though Jones declined Miocic’s offer of a handshake. Jones largely garnered support from the crowd, with the exception of instances when Tom Aspinall’s name was brought up. Jones holds a record of 15 victories in UFC title fights, surpassing all other competitors. Former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira attended the news conference in a red suit. He is set to compete against Michael Chandler in a rematch of their 2021 bout.