UFC fans were all left gobsmacked by Jon Jones’ X-rated rant about Brit Tom Aspinall.
Aspinall, 31, has been chasing the pound-for-pound great since claiming the interim heavyweight title last November.
GETTYTom Aspinall has been chasing UFC icon Jon Jones for well over a year[/caption]
YOUTUBE@TOMASPINALLOFFICIALAspinall has respectfully tried to poke Jones’ ego to convince him to fight[/caption]
PER HALJESTAM / THE SUNThe heavyweight king stunningly branded Aspinall an “a**hole” during the UFC 309 media day[/caption]
But undisputed king Jones has repeatedly dismissed the prospect of sharing the octagon with the burly Brit, who he believes hasn’t earned the right to face him.
Fan favourite Aspinall has been relentless on social media in his bid to poke the ego of the MMA icon.
But his antics have drawn the ire of the former long-reigning light-heavyweight king, who defends his title against Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 309 at Madison Square Garden early on Sunday morning.
He said: “If I’m being completely honest, I feel like Tom’s been such an a**hole that I don’t want to do business with him.
“His fans have been so annoying and obviously you don’t get this far in a career being affected by fans or what not.
“But he’s just an a**hole.”
MMA fans were up in arms over Jones’ savage dig at Aspinall, who is regarded by many to be one of the nicest people in the sport.
One wrote on X: “Jones calling someone an asshole? Ironic.”
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How to Watch UFC 309
The UFC makes it’s annual visit to New York City on November 16 for another blockbuster pay-per-view card.
UFC 309 will take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, which provided some unforgettable moments since mixed martial arts was legalised in New York state in 2016.
Topping the bill at the ‘World’s Most Famous Arena’ is the eagerly-anticipated heavyweight title fight between champion Jon Jones and former titleholder Stipe Miocic.
And in the co-main event of the evening, Michael Chandler will throw down with former lightweight champion and fellow fan favourite Charles Oliveira.
UFC 309 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated cards of what has been another massive year for MMA’s top promotion.
And fans in the UK and Ireland can watch all the action from what promises to be an incredible night at MSG live on TNT Sports Box Office.
The penultimate pay-per-view card of the year will be available to purchase for a mere £19.99.
UFC 309 will also be available to buy on Discovery+, EE TV, Prime Video, Virgin Media TV and Sky Sports.
And fight fans don’t need to subscribe to TNT Sports to buy the star-studded event.
Watch UFC 309: Jones v Miocic exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office from 1am on Saturday 16 November.
For more info visit: tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice
Another said: “Takes one to know one I suppose, Jon.”
And another said: “He’s outdoing himself with the ducking every day.”
One remarked: “Never thought I’d see the day the great Jon Bones Jones would be ducking and making excuses to this magnitude.
“It’s sad to watch.”
Another chimed in: “Ok this is trolling. It has to be. GOATs and ducks can’t share that much DNA.”
Despite being repeatedly dismissed by Jones, Aspinall – who is the backup fighter this weekend – has been nothing but respectful of the American.
GettyBri Tom Aspinall has been nothing but respectful in his pursuit of Jon Jones[/caption]
He said: “If he thinks that I don’t deserve it, show me that I don’t deserve it. Show me.”
“If you kick my arse in front of the whole world, I’m happy to stick my hand out and go, ‘Listen, you’re the better man.’
“No problem. You took my dreams away from me, but at least I tried.’
“But this ducking and diving is something that I don’t really have respect for.”
Watch UFC 309: Jones v Miocic exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office from 1am on Saturday 16 November.
For more info visit: tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice.