UFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall, widely considered one of the most promising and exciting fighters in the division, recently sat down for a no-holds-barred interview where he discussed several hot topics surrounding the world of MMA. From calling out Jon Jones for avoiding a fight with him, to offering his thoughts on the ongoing Jake Paul vs. Dana White feud, and even sharing his perspective on CM Punk’s failed UFC career, Aspinall left no stone unturned. In this candid conversation, Aspinall opened up on what really goes on behind the scenes in MMA, and why he’s confident his future in the UFC is a bright one.

Jon Jones “Ducking” Him: A Fighter’s Perspective

One of the most intriguing aspects of Aspinall’s interview was his comments about UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Aspinall, who has been climbing the ranks of the division with impressive performances and a skill set that many believe could one day rival Jones himself, was vocal about the idea that Jones has been avoiding a fight with him.

“Look, I respect Jon Jones as a fighter, but let’s be real—he’s been dodging me,” Aspinall said bluntly. “I’ve been calling for that fight for a while now, and it’s clear he doesn’t want it. The guy’s been running around trying to fight people who make sense for him. He’s been making excuses for not fighting me.”

Aspinall went on to elaborate that he believes Jones is well aware of his potential, and is avoiding a matchup that could pose a legitimate threat to his legacy. “I’ve got the speed, the technique, and the power to give him a real problem in the Octagon,” Aspinall continued. “The fans want to see it, and I want it. But I think he’s avoiding me, and honestly, I don’t blame him. I’d be scared too.”

Aspinall’s comments reflect the sentiment of many in the MMA community, who have watched the 28-year-old’s rise to the top. The British fighter is widely considered one of the most well-rounded heavyweights in the division, and his combination of agility, knockout power, and submission game could be a nightmare for any fighter, including Jones.

While Jon Jones is currently focused on other opponents, many fans are hoping the two will eventually meet inside the Octagon, given Aspinall’s continued rise and Jones’ ongoing dominance in the division.

Jake Paul vs. Dana White: The Showdown That Never Ends

Another topic that Aspinall didn’t hold back on was the ongoing feud between YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul and UFC President Dana White. Over the past few years, Jake Paul has stirred the pot with his trash talk, challenging UFC fighters to boxing matches and taking aim at White for the UFC’s fighter pay structure. White has, of course, responded with his own sharp words, claiming Paul doesn’t belong in the world of MMA.

“I think Jake Paul is an interesting character,” Aspinall said with a smirk. “He’s definitely stirred up some things, but at the end of the day, he’s a boxer, not an MMA fighter. Dana White’s got a point there—Jake doesn’t understand what it takes to be a real MMA fighter. It’s not just about throwing hands.”

However, Aspinall acknowledged that the drama between the two figures has sparked a lot of interest in combat sports, even if it’s a bit of a sideshow. “Jake Paul’s been fighting in boxing, and yeah, he’s knocked out some people who aren’t exactly world-class fighters, but Dana’s right—he’s just not at the level of MMA guys.”

As for whether the feud will eventually boil over into a fight between Paul and White, Aspinall wasn’t convinced. “It would be funny to see them actually step into the ring with each other. But it’s a lot of back-and-forth without much action. I’m not sure it’ll ever happen, honestly. It’s just a lot of noise.”

CM Punk’s UFC Fail: The Fight That Should Have Never Happened

The conversation then turned to the infamous tenure of CM Punk in the UFC, and Aspinall had some strong opinions about the professional wrestler’s brief, yet disastrous, MMA career. Punk, whose real name is Phil Brooks, made headlines when he transitioned from WWE to the UFC in 2016, only to suffer back-to-back losses in his only two UFC appearances. His stint has since been widely regarded as a misstep by both the UFC and the fighter himself.

“I mean, CM Punk had no business being in the UFC,” Aspinall stated bluntly. “The UFC is the top organization in the world for a reason. It’s not for people who are just jumping in because they’re famous. Punk never had any real MMA experience, and it showed when he stepped into the Octagon.”

Aspinall went on to explain that while he respects anyone who wants to challenge themselves in a sport as brutal as MMA, CM Punk’s path was more about celebrity than athleticism. “He wasn’t trained enough to be at that level. It wasn’t even close. It was just a money grab for the UFC and for him, and I think we all saw that. You have to put in the work to make it in this sport.”

Punk’s UFC career is often brought up in discussions about fighters who “jumped the line” and were given opportunities based on their name rather than their skill. Aspinall agreed that while celebrities getting special treatment in MMA isn’t new, it doesn’t mean it should be encouraged. “I don’t want to see more people coming in for the wrong reasons. If you’re going to fight in the UFC, you have to earn it.”

What’s Next for Aspinall?

Despite the controversies surrounding his fellow fighters, Tom Aspinall’s focus is squarely on his own future. With his remarkable blend of technical skill, speed, and finishing ability, Aspinall is quickly becoming one of the most dangerous and exciting contenders in the heavyweight division. If he gets the chance to face Jon Jones, he believes it will be a fight that will shake up the entire MMA world.

For now, fans will have to wait to see what’s next for Aspinall, but one thing is certain: He’s not backing down from any challenges and is ready to make his mark as the next big thing in the UFC.