Tom Aspinall ‘definitely’ won’t turn down Sergei Pavlovich on path to Jon Jones

Tom Aspinall is ready and willing to fight Sergei Pavlovich later this year on his path to UFC glory.

The Brit heavyweight sensation called out the winner of the UFC Paris showdown between Ciryl Gane and Sergey Spivak after stopping Marcin Tybura – with eyes on booking a contest against champion Jon Jones should he beat Stipe Miocic in November.

Aspinall, now ranked No4, didn't mention the name of No1 contender Pavlovich in the Octagon at The O2 Arena – but not because he is avoiding the match-up with the Russian knockout expert.

Speaking to the the wider media after his victory, Aspinall told Daily Star Sport: "I wouldn't turn him down, definitely not. I definitely want to fight him.

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"I probably… I don't know (why I didn't call him out) I think he just wasn't fresh in my mind. I think it's because everyone was talking about UFC Paris all week and what a good event it would be.

"I think I forgot about Pavlovich to be honest, but if he's the number one contender then I want to fight him. I'm not really fussed the direction which UFC go – I'm ready for anyone."

Aspinall's blistering return to action after a year out injured took his professional record to 13-3 with a 12th first round-stoppage victory.

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The Atherton Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black-belt also reckons he has already got under the skin of former light-heavyweight champion Jones, who won the heavyweight belt against Gane earlier this year.

After he said in the ring that he would beat Jones inside his next two fights, the 36-year-old tweeted and deleted.

It read: "Everyone's the next big thing until I beat them. And then it’s like: 'Well, who was that guy anyway?' Just a few months ago Gane was the absolute future of MMA.

"Best footwork, fastest heavyweight we have ever seen. The most athletic. Now everyone’s like: 'Who the hell is that guy?'"

Michael Bisping, the first British champion in UFC history, has since given his thoughts on the potential match-up – and he thinks there is a clear winner.

He told Sky Sports: "Jon Jones is the heavyweight champion. He’s one of the greatest of all time. I don’t think he can hold a candle to Tom. I think Tom will do the same thing to Jon Jones as what he did to Marcin Tybura.

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"I don’t think there’s anyone that can stop Tom Aspinall. He’s that good."

UFC Paris goes down on September 2 at the Accor Arena In Paris, with Gane looking to bounce back to winning ways.

That bout could change the picture of the heavyweight division before the title goes up for grabs between the former champion Miocic and reigning Jones in New York on November 11.

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