‘I know I can beat you’: Aspinall takes a minute to set up Jon Jones heavyweight blockbuster

After claiming victory in under a minute in his most recent battle, Tom Aspinall has called out a heavyweight champion to headline the biggest heavyweight UFC fight in years.

Tom Aspinall called out Jon Jones. Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Manchester now, then the world.

That’s the plan for Tom Aspinall, who called out heavyweight champion Jon Jones after his impressive UFC 304 win over Curtis Blaydes in front of his home town fans.

Manchester local Aspinall had to wait two years to get his rematch with Blaydes, but took just 60 seconds to stop him when they finally fought again.

In doing so, he defended his interim heavyweight title, avenged the only loss of his UFC career and set up one of the biggest heavyweight title fights ever.

An overhand right 53 seconds into the opening round signalled the end for Blaydes. The American dropped to the canvas and Aspinall finished the job moments later.

Aspinall drops Curtis Blaydes just 50 seconds into their fight. Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

He wasted no time in calling out Jones.

“I just spoke to the boss man (Dana White), who wants to see Aspinall versus Jon Jones?” Aspinall asked as the crowd went wild.

“Hello, Jon, I have nothing against you personally. I just think I’m better than you.

“I know I can beat you, I’m coming for it.”

Jones was scheduled to defend his heavyweight title against former champion Stipe Miocic in November last year, but was forced out with injury.

The pair are slated to meet later this year, and UFC President Dana White said Aspinall will get the winner.

Jon Jones hasn’t fought since he won the heavyweight belt in March 2023. Picture: Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

“There’s no doubt about it,” White said. “Whoever wins the fight between Jon Jones and Stipe, that’s a great fight for Aspinall.

“Jon Jones has a very high fight IQ, and he knows what Tom Aspinall’s about.”

Aspinall’s impressive stoppage of Blaydes continues a phenomenal run in the UFC.

All eight of his wins have come via stoppage, and seven of those have come in the first round.

His last three fights have lasted a combined three minutes and 22 seconds.

But the win over Blaydes finally gives the Englishman closure.

Their first fight, in July 2022, lasted just 15 seconds before Aspinall injured his knee and was unable to continue.

Aspinall celebrates his win. Picture: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

“Nothing against him personally but we needed to put that one to bed,” he said. “It was a freak accident, and I’ve put that to bed thank god.

“I’m the best finisher in the UFC.”

In the UFC 304 main event, Leon Edwards was outworked by Belal Muhammad, who scored a unanimous decision win to claim the welterweight title.

Liverpool superstar Paddy Pimblett received the loudest pop of the night when he choked out King Green just three minutes into the first round of their lightweight bout.

Originally published as ‘I know I can beat you’: Aspinall takes a minute to set up Jon Jones heavyweight blockbuster