Henry Cejudo thinks Tom Aspinall overreacted after capturing the interim heavyweight title at UFC 295.
Aspinall (14-3 MMA, 7-1 UFC) needed just 69 seconds to knock out Sergei Pavlovich on short notice in this past Saturday’s co-main event at Madison Square Garden in New York. Aspinall broke down in tears after the stoppage in what was a very emotional moment.
But former two-division UFC champion Cejudo, who never thought Aspinall vs. Pavlovich was worth an interim belt, critiqued Aspinall for his reaction.
“Watching Tom Aspinall win the interim world title, he’s already celebrating,” Cejudo said on his YouTube channel. “It’s an interim, Tom! Save those tears for when you actually win the real belt. Sometimes, when I see people like that, they just get too emotional after an interim belt. Yeah, you got a trophy, but they might as well dip that thing in either silver or bronze because it’s not the real thing.
“I mean that with all due respect. As a competitor, I start to think of their mentalities. How is it or what is it that makes them – has he thought that he’s reached the pinnacle of the world? I’m not picking on you, Tom. I’m just saying to you, save those tears for when you actually own the undisputed title.”
Aspinall called for UFC undisputed heavyweight champion Jon Jones next, but Jones is expected to have his title fight with Stipe Miocic rebooked once he’s healthy. Cejudo agrees with Aspinall, and also wants to see the title-unification bout next.
“This fight is a lot more intriguing than a guy like Stipe Miocic,” Cejudo said. “I can understand why Jon would want to fight a guy like Stipe, someone who’s older in his age, and also someone who’s more accomplished.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 295.
