UFC 309 is two weeks away, but a lot of the pre-event discussion is focusing on a fighter who is not appearing on the card.
In the main event at Madison Square Garden, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones will face MMA legend Stipe Miocic, but this clash has been met with a mixed reception.
MMA fans are clamouring to see interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall finally get his shot at gold against Jones, and while the British star is doing everything in his power both inside and outside of the Octagon to make the bout a reality, his efforts are yet to pay off.
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In the build-up to Jones vs. Miocic, Aspinall has revealed that he is the backup fighter if either Jones or Miocic suffer a pre-fight injury meaning he will be in New York during fight week.
Speaking in a video on his YouTube channel, Aspinall detailed his plans for the Big Apple and it is safe to say that he is looking to leave his mark.
"What’s the plan? Turn up, do some media, cause a few scenes here and there, and try and make the winner stick around and fight me,” Aspinall said.
“Just see what happens, really. I’m really interested in how both guys look in the fight, that’s really interesting for me…I want to go up close and see what these guys look like in live action. How are they moving? What are they doing?
"You can see little differences in real life [more] than you can on the TV. I’m looking forward to that!"