Tom Aspinall watched on as Jon Jones beat Stipe Miocic on Saturday night, but the interim champion was almost convinced he’d have to fight himself after a legend attempted an amusing prank.
The Brit made a massive impression during UFC 309 fight week, with fans around the world desperate for the interim heavyweight champion to get his shot at the throne.
Glover Teixeira pulls prank on Tom Aspinall about Jon Jones pulling out of UFC 309
While MMA fans around the world gathered in Madison Square Garden and in front of their TV screens to watch Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic, it’s fair to say most wished it would’ve been Tom Aspinall in there.
The Englishman has proved himself to be a terrifying operator, capable of destroying anybody his ferocious hands land on.
In fact, the powerhouse wanted to scrap so badly, he flew to New York City just to be the backup fighter, in case anything went wrong.
And he was given a tiny glimmer of hope, when Glover Teixeira informed him that ‘Bones’ had injured himself, leaving Miocic without an opponent.
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In a video uploaded to his YouTube channel, Aspinall, who was sitting backstage, was approached by the Brazilian icon, who insisted: “Tom, they just called me. Jon Jones tripped in the bus, so don’t be drinking, okay?”
Proving his professionalism, the power puncher replied: “I’m on the water.”
Ultimately, Aspinall realized it was a joke, but had it been a reality, then there’s no doubt he would’ve leaped out of his seat and charged to the octagon there and then.
Jon Jones finally says what Tom Aspinall has done that has gotten under his skin
While a truly frightening operator inside the cage, in real life, Aspinall is a humble character, who’s captured the heart of the fans.
Thus, many are confused as to why Jones is utterly insistent that his rival is an ‘a**hole’.
The reigning heavyweight champion has now opened up about the one thing his potential future opponent has done, that’s really annoyed him.
Sheesh: Stipe Miocic breaks silence for the first time since Jon Jones defeat