Tom Aspinall could injure Jones if this fighter catches him

Fans around the world are clamoring for a heavyweight unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. Jones is widely regarded as the undisputed champion and arguably the greatest of all time (GOAT), while many believe Aspinall, the interim titleholder, is the true rising king of the division. As negotiations between Jones and the UFC […]

Dec 10, 2024 - 15:30
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Tom Aspinall could injure Jones if this fighter catches him

Fans around the world are clamoring for a heavyweight unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. Jones is widely regarded as the undisputed champion and arguably the greatest of all time (GOAT), while many believe Aspinall, the interim titleholder, is the true rising king of the division. As negotiations between Jones and the UFC reportedly focus on massive payouts, speculation arises about why Jones is demanding a huge payday despite being one of the highest-paid fighters in the organization.

Is Jones Worried About Aspinall’s Threat?

Some suggest that Jones’s monetary demands stem from the danger Aspinall presents. The Englishman is considered a generational talent whose skillset might jeopardize Jones’s undefeated legacy in the twilight of his illustrious career.

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Joe Rogan, UFC commentator and MMA analyst, recently highlighted a specific aspect of Aspinall’s game that could give Jones nightmares: his speed. Speaking with Derek from the YouTube channel More Plates, More Dates on episode #2239 of The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan said, “Aspinall is a freak. I’ve seen a lot of heavyweights, even Francis [Ngannou]… Francis doesn’t move like Tom Aspinall. Tom Aspinall is significantly faster than every other heavyweight, and that’s a real problem.”

However, Rogan also noted Jones’s experience fighting quick opponents, saying, “Jon has fought people like Alexander Gustafsson, who are really fast at light heavyweight. So speed won’t be too big of an adjustment for him.”

Aspinall’s Combination of Speed and Power

Aspinall’s speed is frequently compared to that of middleweights, but he carries this agility in a massive 250-pound heavyweight frame. Unlike bulkier fighters like Tai Tuivasa or Derrick Lewis, Aspinall’s physique is a balance of explosive power and lean muscle, which makes him a unique threat.

Rogan emphasized the danger Aspinall’s power could pose to Jones: “He’s not a one-punch KO artist in the traditional sense, but he’s still a heavyweight. Getting hit by someone like Aspinall is no joke, simply because of the laws of physics and the sheer weight behind his strikes.”

The combination of Aspinall’s speed and striking accuracy could create serious problems for Jones, Rogan said, comparing the scenario to Jones’s fight against Lyoto Machida: “Jon fought Machida, who was lightning fast when he was in his prime. Machida caught Jon a lot. But getting caught by Machida is not the same as getting hit by a 255-pound Tom Aspinall.”

Tom Aspinall mocks Jon Jones with this video amidst heavyweight champion's  retirement speculation | DAZN News CA

Negotiations and Speculation

For now, the Jones-Aspinall fight remains hypothetical. Jones has confirmed that he is negotiating with Dana White and the UFC for the matchup, though skeptics argue Jones might be using this as a tactic to increase his payday.

Despite this, fans remain optimistic. UFC President Dana White has hinted that a Jones-Aspinall fight could become one of the biggest events in the promotion’s history.

What’s at stake?

Aspinall’s rise has been meteoric, and his unique skillset makes him a legitimate threat to Jones’s legacy. For Jones, this fight represents both risk and reward: a chance to cement his status as the undisputed GOAT or a potential stumble against a generational talent.

The fight, if confirmed, promises to be a thrilling battle that could redefine the heavyweight division. Do you agree with Joe Rogan’s assessment of this potential clash? Would Aspinall’s speed and power be too much for Jones to handle? Let the debate begin!