TOM ASPINALL threw down the gauntlet to Jon Jones after finally putting the ghost of Curtis Blaydes to rest.
The Wigan warrior defended his interim heavyweight title in the co-main event of UFC 304 in Manchester yesterday morning.
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Aspinall, 31, hit the American in just 60 seconds to erase the memory of the freak knee injury he suffered in their first clash two years ago.
And now his goal is to prove that he is the best heavyweight on the planet in a historic unification fight against indisputable holder Jones next year.
He said: “I have nothing against Jon Jones as a person, but I think I’m the best heavyweight in the world.
“And if he thinks he’s the best heavyweight, then let’s sort it out.
“It’s that simple, it’s not a rocket Science.
“There are two guys who claim to be the best heavyweights in the world. Let’s settle this.”
He added: “I’m the best heavyweight in the world.
“Prove me wrong, Jon. If you think you are, prove me wrong. It’s simple.”
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Aspinall feels Blaydes’ demolition has eased the weight that has been on his shoulders since that unhappy night at London’s O2 Arena.
He said: “That was good. I have nothing against Curtis, in fact I really like him as a human being and he is a really nice guy.
“But I just needed to beat him.
“I just knew I was better than him. Me now, compared to two years ago, with the training regime I have, it’s not even close.
“I’m much, much better than I was before. And I’m ready to face anyone.”
Aspinall’s dream of facing Jones could go up in smoke if the former pound-for-pound king hangs up the gloves after his November clash with Stipe Miocic.
But UFC supremo Dana White reckons the new fan favorite’s latest showing could convince the Hall of Famer to stick around for a while longer.
He said: “I think the competitive spirit he has and the desire to prove to the world that he is the best.
“Especially when people say Aspinall could be the best.
“I guess that’s the kind of shit that gets Jon Jones excited.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
