UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones might have already got his arms full with followers who need him to show himself in opposition to interim champ Tom Aspinall, however earlier than that he’ll have to get previous Stipe Miocic on Nov. 16. And, if his latest snub of Miocic is something to go by, Saturday’s epic UFC 309 matchup is ready to be one other extremely private conflict. Right here’s why.
Rochester, New York native Jon Jones (21-1 in UFC) had a tough time this week in the course of the press convention for his upcoming title protection at Madison Sq. Backyard. Regardless of being the native hero, followers and journalists needed to know if Jones can be up for a conflict in opposition to Aspinall if he’s victorious at UFC 309.
Whereas boss Dana White welcomed the extremely anticipated bout, Jones has been lower than obsessed with taking up the Brit, as a substitute telling journalists that he would relatively decide fights that excite him. This case boiled over on the press convention when a big contingent within the room started to chant for “Tommy.” And, relatively than maintain his cool, Jones fired again, “Knock it off,” however that wasn’t the top of the drama.
Why did Jon Jones snub Stipe Miocic forward of UFC 309?
Whereas Jones, who final fought in March 2023, is on report as calling Aspinall and a** gap, he additionally has private beef with Miocic (14-4 in UFC). As the 2 fighters acquired in place for the compulsory face-off, Jones snubbed Miocic’s providing of a handshake. Apparently, the private emotions had been on account of feedback that firefighter Miocic had made within the buildup to the battle. “Everybody likes first responders and I respect women and men who’re within the armed forces, legislation enforcement, issues like that, so I made it some extent to be very respectful to him,” he advised reporters.
However he took offense after accusing Miocic of claiming “my youngsters won’t ever take a look at me like I’m an a**gap,” believing that the quote was an assault on his circle of relatives dynamic. Jones additionally stated he was lower than joyful that Miocic had known as him a “b*tch.” So then, the champ says that the battle is now very private to him and that; “the respect is out of the window.”
Scores might be settled at UFC 309 ON Saturday, November 16, obtainable on ESPN+.
