Tom Aspinall accuses UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones of avoiding two major challenges in his career.

First one being himself, as it's been over 500 days that Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) has held the interim heavyweight title without getting the opportunity to unify it against Jones. The other fighter Aspinall is referring to is former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, who parted ways with the promotion during Jones' three-year transition from light heavyweight to heavyweight.

Ngannou is still willing to fight Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC), but as long as he's under the PFL banner, it's highly unlikely to happen. Speaking on the IMPAULSIVE podcast, Aspinall was asked if he thinks Jones is scared to fight him.

"Yes, absolutely (he's scared)," Aspinall said. "The thing with Jon: Jon is conning the public, man. I'm not disputing that he's an amazing fighter. I think the fact that he didn't want to fight (Francis) Ngannou for three years, and now he doesn't want to fight me over a year, and just the way he manipulates the media and the public is super smart.

"I'm not taking anything away from him. But do I think he's scared to take the tough fights at this stage in his career? Absolutely. I can (understand it). I respect it. But if you're going to ask me the straight-up question, 'Is Jon Jones afraid to fight me?' The honest answer would be yes."

While in attendance for Saturday's UFC Fight Night 255 event at The O2 in London, Aspinall had a positive meeting with UFC CEO Dana White and chief business officer of the UFC Hunter Campbell. He is more confident than ever that the fight with Jones happens.

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This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Tom Aspinall: UFC champion Jon Jones ducking me and Francis Ngannou, 'conning the public'

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