TOM ASPINALL has thrown down the gauntlet to Jon Jones after finally laying the ghost of Curtis Blaydes to rest.
The Wigan warrior defended the interim heavyweight title in the co-main event of UFC 304 in Manchester early yesterday morning.
Aspinall, 31, blitzed the American in just 60 seconds to erase the memory of the freak knee injury he suffered in their first meeting two years ago.
And his sights are now set on proving he’s the best heavyweight on the planet in a historic unification bout against undisputed titleholder 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 settle it.
“It’s as simple as that, it’s not rocket science.
“There are two guys claiming to be the best heavyweight in the world. Let’s settle it.”
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 like his demolition of Blaydes has lifted the weight that was on his shoulders since that ill-fated night at London’s O2 Arena.
He said: “That was good. I’ve got nothing against Curtis, I actually really like him as a human being and he’s a really cool guy.
” But I just needed to beat him.
“I just knew I was better than him. Me now in comparison to me two years ago with the training regime I’ve got, it’s just not even close.
“I’m way, way better than I was then. And I’m ready to take on anybody.”
Aspinall’s dream of facing Jones could go up in smoke if the former pound-for-pound king hangs up his gloves after his November showdown with Stipe Miocic.
But UFC supremo Dana White reckons the new fan favourite’s latest display could convince the Hall of Famer to stick around a while longer.
He said: “I think that the competitive spirit that he has and his desire to prove to the world he’s the best.
“Especially when people are saying Aspinall could be the ever.
“I think that’s the kind of s**t that fires Jon Jones up.”
