Tom Aspinall has confirmed that he is the backup fighter for Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic.
Jones is set to defend his UFC heavyweight title against Miocic on November 16 in the main event of UFC 309.
GETTYJones will defend his UFC heavyweight title against former champion Miocic[/caption]
However, most MMA fans feel interim champion Aspinall is more deserving of a shot at undisputed gold.
Miocic is widely considered to be one of the greatest UFC heavyweights of all time.
But he hasn’t stepped foot inside the Octagon since being knocked out by Francis Ngannou in March 2021 and is now 42 years old.
In stark contrast, Aspinall is in his physical prime at 31 while the only loss he has suffered under the UFC banner in 9 fights came via a freak injury against Curtis Blaydes in July 2022.
If, for whatever reason, Miocic or Jones are unable to make the walk in New York then Aspinall has confirmed to Ariel Helwani that he will be the man the UFC calls to save the card.
“Yes, it is official,” said Aspinall when asked if he is the backup fighter.
“I mean, Dana announced it a while ago now, but I didn’t actually hear anything from the UFC.
“But now we’ve actually spoken, everything’s going good.
“We’ve come to an agreement about it, we know what’s happening going forward.
“We’ve got plans, we’ve got future fight plans, everything is right there.
If either man is unable to make the fight then Aspinall will step inGetty
“It’s gonna be a good couple of years, let me tell you. Big plans, big, big, massive plans.”
Even though Aspinall is doing a full camp to keep himself sharp in case of an emergency, he isn’t confident he will get the call.
“My gut’s telling me [I won’t be needed], to be honest,” he added.
“Do I think it’s going to happen? Is it likely? In my opinion, probably not. But will I be ready? Absolutely.”
But regardless of whether his services are required in November, UFC president Dana White has confirmed Aspinall will be next in line for the full world title.
“Yes, Tom Aspinall is next in line for anything that happens after this fight,” said White last month.