Following the official announcement for Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 309, Tom Aspinall was confirmed to be the back-up.
Many have been campaiging for the interim champion to get the next shot at Jones's heavyweight title, rather than the rescheduled clash with Miocic.
Dana White said himself in a recent press conference that Aspinall is next for whatever happens in this division and will therefore, be in New York ready to make weight if required.
However, this then opens up the question of whether Jones or Miocic would even contemplate fighting Aspinall on short notice, if either man does pull out before November 16.
Daniel Cormier Calls Chael Sonnen 'Gullible' For Thinking That Jones & Miocic Agreed To Fight Aspinall
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In a recent episode of ESPN MMA's Good Guy / Bad Guy, Chael Sonnen asked Daniel Cormier whether he could confirm that Aspinall being the back-up means that Jones and Miocic had to sign off on it.
Cormier's response was to laugh at Sonnen for even suggesting that this would be a possibility, labelling him as "gullible".
No, it does not mean that. What it means is now we have another opportunity for disappointment. See that's the difference between living, hey, that's the difference between growing up in a mansion and growing up in the ghetto. In the ghetto, you learn to expect disappointment. You learn to be let down, that is just the way it is. So guess what Chael, now you have an opportunity to be let down so step into my shoes once. If one of those dudes get hurt, neither one of them is fighting Tom Aspinall. You're out of your mind, no way.
To illustrate his point, Cormier pointed to UFC 295 last year where Jones did pull out of the fight but there was a back-up fighter on hand.
Despite Sergei Pavlovich being ready to take his place, Miocic chose to wait for "Bones", instead which led to the creation of the interim title which was won by Aspinall.
Cormier finished his statement by making a bold prediction of what will actually happen if either man withdraws.
When Jon Jones got hurt the first time, Sergei Pavlovich was the back-up fighter, who fought? Who fought? If somebody gets hurt, get ready for Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane, mark my words.
Read also: Former Champ Skeptical Of Michael Chandler Beating ‘Meaningful Favorite’ Charles Oliveira At UFC 309