In the realm of mixed martial arts, social media spats between fighters often serve as preludes to potential showdowns inside the cage. Recently, the heavyweight division has been buzzing with excitement as the former UFC light heavyweight champion and current Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, the newly crowned Interim Heavyweight Champion have been engaged in heated exchanges on Twitter, igniting speculation about a potential clash between the two formidable fighters and they came face to face yesterday at the Arnold UK Sports Festival.
Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones meet face to face👀#UFC #MMA
— FightCrack (@FightCrack) March 16, 2024
pic.twitter.com/fIfhmeP8RV
The exchange began when Tom Aspinall, the emerging British heavyweight prospect with an impressive record of 14-3, walked towards Jon Jones at what appeared to be a YoungLA clothing booth and asked to see Jon. Aspinall states.. “just saying hello, just saying hello” and the two walk forward and embrace with both asking how the other is and that it is good to meet finally meet.
However, things take a bit of a turn when Aspinall places his right hand on Jon’s shoulder. Jon quickly snatches his arm and places it away from him, with Aspinall quickly apologising as it appears Jon took this as an attempt to ‘big brother’ him. Aspinall reiterates he meant nothing disrespectful with Jon replying “I would hope so.”. Then the two appear to agree to take a picture together.
Earlier this year, Tom took to Twitter to express his eagerness to face Jon Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. Aspinall’s tweet, brimming with confidence and ambition, caught the attention of Jones, sparking a fiery back-and-forth between the two heavyweights.
Aspinall’s initial tweet, laced with a hint of provocation, stated, “I’d knock you out mate.” The bold declaration, accompanied by a raised fist emoji, set the stage for a war of words between the two fighters. Jon Jones, known for his dominance in the light heavyweight division and his ongoing transition to heavyweight, wasted no time in responding to Aspinall’s challenge.
In his retort, Jones questioned Aspinall’s credentials and suggested that the British fighter still had much to prove before earning the right to face him in the octagon. Jones’ reply, dripping with characteristic confidence, served to fuel the flames of anticipation among MMA fans eagerly awaiting a potential showdown between the two heavyweights.
The exchange between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall quickly escalated, with both fighters trading barbs and asserting their respective claims to superiority in the heavyweight division. Aspinall, undeterred by Jones’ dismissive remarks, reaffirmed his belief in his ability to defeat the former champion and ascend to the pinnacle of the sport.
The Twitter spat between Jones and Aspinall has generated considerable buzz within the MMA community, with fans and pundits alike speculating about the possibility of a future matchup between the two fighters. While nothing has been confirmed as of yet, the prospect of a clash between Jones, a seasoned veteran with a storied career, and Aspinall, a relative up-and-comer yet a champion now in his own right, has captured the imagination of fight fans worldwide.
As the rivalry between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall continues to simmer on social media, MMA enthusiasts eagerly await further developments and the potential announcement of a highly anticipated showdown between the two heavyweights. In the unpredictable world of mixed martial arts, anything is possible, and the prospect of witnessing these two titans collide inside the octagon is undoubtedly an exciting prospect for fans of the sport.
Further video around the exchange here:
Tom Aspinall says that Jon Jones was “nowhere near as big” as he thought and that he can take him 👀#UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/hAw1xRP6tr
— FightCrack (@FightCrack) March 16, 2024
What did you make of this exchange?
