Tom Aspinall concedes GOAT title to Jon Jones, shares insight on his legacy: “I want people to recognize it”

Tom Aspinall has made it clear that the fight he wants above all others is against Jon Jones, widely regarded as the greatest MMA fighter of all time. But the Mancunian recently shared a fascinating admission, stating that he had no desire to try and replace Jones as the sport's greatest.

Aspinall currently holds the UFC interim heavyweight title, and Jones the 'undisputed' heayweight belt. Jones' pursuit of a "legacy" fight against Stipe Miocic has left the interim champion to defend his title instead of fighting to unify the two belts.

During a recent appearance on the VechtersBazen podcast, the 31-year-old discussed his lack of interest in being regarded as the GOAT.

Aspinall said:

"In all honesty, I've not really got any interest in being the best heavyweight ever. That's why when me and Jon Jones talk, he says stuff online like, 'My legacy is always gonna be better [than yours].' I'm like, 'Yeah, it is.' I'm not bothered about legacy, I just feel like I'm the best heavyweight in the world and I want people to recognize it. That's it! I don't want to be the greatest heavyweight ever or anything like. I'm not bothered."

Check out Tom Aspinall's comments below (23:50):

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Tom Aspinall says he will serve as back-up fighter for Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic

Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic were set to face off for the heavyweight title at UFC 295 until a torn pectoral tendon forced 'Bones' to withdraw from the bout several weeks before fight night.

With Miocic unwilling to fight Tom Aspinall on short notice, the Mancunian faced Sergei Pavlovich for the interim title instead.

A first-round knockout saw Aspinall become an interim champion for the first time in his career. He recently confirmed he would be the back-up fighter for Jones vs. Miocic, scheduled to happen at UFC 309 on Nov. 16.

The interim champion was recently interviewed by Sky Sports, where he said:

"I'm gonna be the backup for the fight. If one of them pulls out, you better believe I'm in. On an hour's notice if I need to... I should be the undisputed heavyweight champion. Everybody knows that now... I took out every contender that there is at this point and I should be the UFC heavyweight champion...I'm the best heavyweight in the world and I'll wipe out [Jones and Miocic] in one night if I need to."

Check out Tom Aspinall's comments below (5:52):