Tom Aspinall confirms being back-up for Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic: “10 weeks notice, 1 hour notice, I’ll be prepared” 

Tom Aspinall's wish of wanting to fight Jon Jones may come to fruition as the Mancunian recently confirmed his status as the back-up fighter for Jones vs. Stipe Miocic. The heavyweight title clash is expected to materialize at UFC 309 in November, at Madison Square Garden in New York.

'Bones' was scheduled to face Miocic at UFC 295 for the undisputed heavyweight title. But disaster struck in Jones' camp several weeks before fight night as he suffered a torn pectoral muscle, forcing him out of the bout.

The promotion then scheduled an interim title clash between Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich, which saw the Manchester native secure a first-round knockout win.

Fans, as well as Aspinall, have since called for a title clash with 'Bones' to determine the true heavyweight champion. But the American has remained steadfast in his decision to face Miocic for the undisputed title, forcing the 31-year old to defend his interim belt against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, which he won via first-round knockout.

During a recent YouTube video, the interim champion discussed the expected clash between Jones and Miocic, saying:

"Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic, New York City. As I said, this fight hasn't been confirmed. But after my last fight against Curtis Blaydes there was some talk about me being the back-up fighter. The UFC spoke to me directly about that, I said, 'I'm in!' Somebody pulls out, I'm in. One day notice, ten day notice, ten weeks notice, one hour notice, I'll be prepared for that date."

Watch Tom Aspinall's interview below (1:10):

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Tom Aspinall plans to retire Jon Jones without even fighting him

Tom Aspinall has made his frustrations with not being able to fight Jon Jones very clear, having taken to social media numerous times to call the heavyweight champion out.

Given Jones' unwavering in his decision to face Stipe Miocic in what has been dubbed a "legacy fight", the Mancunian has now boldly claimed that he will make 'Bones' retire without even fighting him.

The 31-year old recently appeared on the Believe You Me podcast hosted by Michael Bisping, where he said:

"[Jones] was praying that I would lose that fight against Curtis Blaydes. Because there is nowhere that you can publicly find him saying he would fight me. It doesn't exist... Since I won that fight, he's gone completely quiet... I will retire Jon Jones without even fighting him."

Watch Tom Aspinall's interview below (11:22):