The main event of UFC 309 features the consensus greatest of all time facing the best heavyweight we have seen inside the Octagon for the title in a bout that is over a year in the making. Yet, a lot of the talk during fight week has been about a third man in the picture.
Though the challenger, Stipe Miocic, has been his usual self all throughout the build up and is only focused on his upcoming clash with Jon Jones after their fight was rescheduled from UFC 295 last year, the narrative surrounding Jones and interim champion Tom Aspinall has dominated the headlines and key talking points.
Jones has faced some criticism over claims he is ducking Aspinall, whom many believe to be the toughest test out there right now and the rightful next opponent for "Bones." The Rochester native has responded with some criticism of his own that has only led to more drama and discussion.
A video that was posted on social media by TNT Sports, which is the UK broadcaster of the UFC, showed how the Jones and Aspinall tension seemingly isn't just for the cameras. Jones was carrying out his usual run of media duties as he walked into a room ready to be interviewed by the broadcaster's team.
With the fight being shown on TNT Sports PPV and the return of the GOAT being the key draw, it's not surprising that they would want to get some time with the champion ahead of Saturday night.
The clip shows that before Jones sat down, he declined to take part in the interview, telling his team that he didn't want to do it because of the potential questions that he would be asked.
Hey, I'm not going to do this interview, you know, because it's going to be an Aspinall fest. I'm not doing it.
The video also shows a quick interaction between Jones and the interviewer, TNT Sports' Adam Catterall. Jones explained that his connection to Aspinall is why he refused to sit down and chat.
Hey bro, nothing personal. I see how close you guys are, common sense tells me what type of questions I'm going to get asked.
Catterall responded before the short clip cuts off with Jones walking down the hallway.
You're entitled to speak to speak to who you want to speak to.
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Where things get slightly more confusing is that TNT Sports did in fact put up an interview with Jones. At the start of the video, this footage is shown, and after his brief interaction with Catterall, he walks right into another interview with the broadcaster's other presenter, Nick Peet.
Peet is also close with Aspinall but the two sit down for a full interview, which has led to some pondering if this was a social media bit rather than a legitimate interaction. That isn't 100 percent clear at this time.