Jon Jones joked about “supply and demand” afterwards Tom Aspinallthe victory in UFC 304, amid growing calls for the pair to fight.
On Saturday (July 27), Aspinall knocked out Curtis Blaydes in exactly one minute to retain the interim heavyweight title. With the victory in Manchester, the Wigan fighter moved one step closer to fighting Jones – who holds the regular title.
“Supply and demand at its best, I love it,” Jones tweeted on Sunday, despite the general feeling among MMA fans that the American will not fight Aspinall.
Jones, who is considered the greatest light heavyweight in UFC history despite numerous failed drug tests and run-ins with the law, won the heavyweight belt in March 2023.
The 37-year-old submitted Ciryl Gane early to win the vacant title, but was unable to defend it against heavyweight great Stipe Miocic in November after suffering an injury. As a result, Aspinall fought Sergei Pavlovich for the interim belt, winning by knockout in the first round.
Interim titles are not usually defended in the UFC, and the holder usually challenges the official champion in the next fight. But Jones is still recovering from a chest injury, and the UFC refuses to strip the American of his title – instead, it intends to reschedule Jones vs. Miocic.
Supply and demand at its best, I love it.
– BONY (@JonnyBones) July 28, 2024
As a result, Aspinall was forced to wait for the winner of Jones vs. Miocic, despite assumptions that either man – or both – could retire after that fight. Miocic will be 42 years old when he and Jones compete, likely later this year.
“Jon is the undisputed champion, but I’m the best in the world, if that makes any sense,” Aspinall said at the UFC 304 post-fight press conference. “We know what Jon is doing. Jon was there, crossing his fingers and toes tonight, hoping I would lose to Curtis – let’s not make any bullshit about it.
“He posted a lot about it anyway, which I’m going to lose to [Blaydes]. That didn’t happen, so [he’s] the fight I want next.
“He’s going to be really mad about it or the fact that everyone says I can beat him, but that’s okay. Contrary to what Jon Jones fanboys might think, I have nothing against Jon Jones as a person. I think I’m the best heavyweight in the world, and if he thinks he’s the best heavyweight in the world, let’s sort it out.
“It’s as simple as that. It’s not rocket science. There are two guys who claim to be the best heavyweights in the world. Let’s settle this, simple as that.”
“Jon Jones is a strange guy. I don’t know what he’s doing. He makes some strange moves. I’m here trying to be the best heavyweight in the world, to be the best version of myself. He did it all, he did it all. I’m not taking away from what he did in his career.
“The guy’s career is unbelievable, but personally I’m trying to fight people and that’s it. So I don’t know what he’s doing, I can’t speak for him.”
