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Topics: Tom Aspinall, Jon Jones, UFC
Nasir Jabbar
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Jon Jones has directly responded to claims he's 'ducking' Tom Aspinall as UFC fans called him out on social media.
A monstrous UFC heavyweight clash between Jones and Aspinall has been in the works for months, but an official announcement has yet to be made.
It was claimed that the American 'pulled out' of the showdown, with a shock fighter replacing him to face the British star.
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Speaking after last month's UFC event in Kansas City, UFC CEO Dana White addressed the speculation as he issued a telling update.
Aspinall, who hasn't fought since his 60-second victory Curtis Blaydes last summer, admits he has 'had enough' of the situation.
"Me, personally, I can’t do anything," he said on the High Performance Podcast. "I just think it’s down to money on his side. I will fight whenever - whenever, wherever he wants - but it’s down to money, I think."
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Aspinall added: "When you put him in there with, and I’m not trying to blow my own trumpet, but I’m literally the most dangerous guy in the UFC if you look at the stats. When you put him in with a guy of my size who has them credentials at this stage in his career, I think Jon’s a smart guy and realises that, so he wants to be compensated financially for it.
"I’m well bored of [the Jones conversation]. I’ve had enough. We either need to fight, or I need to move on to something else."
Jones has remained tight-lipped over a fight against Aspinall until on Tuesday when he went live on Instagram.
'Bones' was hounded by UFC fans, who slammed him for 'ducking' the 32-year-old.
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But the 37-year-old has dismissed the idea of 'ducking' Aspinall, stating that he is living his 'best life'.
"I’ve got people in the chat calling me a duck," he said. "Meanwhile, I’m living my absolute best life."
He added: "I don’t know if it’s considered ducking when you’re living good. I don’t think it works like that."
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Jones made his anticipated return to action last November when he stopped Stipe Miocic to make the first defence of his UFC heavyweight title.
As mentioned, Aspinall last fought when he defended his interim UFC heavyweight title against Blaydes at UFC 304 last July.