Tom Aspinall is rated higher than Jon Jones

When discussing fighters capable of reshaping the UFC heavyweight division, Tom Aspinall is a name that quickly comes to mind. With his rapid ascent and outstanding performances, Aspinall is not only seen as a top prospect but also someone who has the potential to surpass the legacy of Jon Jones. Jones, a living legend with […]

Dec 10, 2024 - 10:00
 0  1
Tom Aspinall is rated higher than Jon Jones

When discussing fighters capable of reshaping the UFC heavyweight division, Tom Aspinall is a name that quickly comes to mind. With his rapid ascent and outstanding performances, Aspinall is not only seen as a top prospect but also someone who has the potential to surpass the legacy of Jon Jones.

Jones, a living legend with a career spanning nearly two decades, remains a respected figure in MMA. However, when comparing Jones, who has arguably passed his prime, to Aspinall, a fighter hitting his peak, many believe Aspinall’s future could outshine the legacy of “Bones.”

Why Is Aspinall Considered More Promising Than Jon Jones?

Dana White 'ra lệnh' Jon Jones đấu với Tom Aspinall để tranh đai vô địch hạng nặng UFC | Marca

Superior speed and agility
Aspinall is remarkably quick for a heavyweight. His movement rivals that of fighters in lower weight classes, a rare attribute in this division. His hand and foot speed not only confuse opponents but also allow him to control the pace of fights effectively.

On the other hand, while Jon Jones was once known for his fluidity, his transition to heavyweight has exposed a noticeable decline in his speed and agility.

A well-rounded skill set
Aspinall stands out as one of the few heavyweights with a complete arsenal of skills. He combines powerful and precise striking with high-level grappling, including elite Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques. He’s equally capable of knocking out opponents or dominating them on the ground.

Jones, while a tactical genius, lacks exceptional striking ability, and his grappling no longer appears as dominant as it once was during his light heavyweight reign.

Focus and hunger for greatness
Despite Jones’ status as a legend, his career has been marred by controversies, including legal troubles and doping scandals. These issues have tarnished his image and raised questions about his motivation in the latter stages of his career.

Aspinall, in contrast, presents himself as a disciplined, hungry, and focused fighter. His motivation lies in building his legacy from the ground up, not just resting on past glory.

Could Aspinall’s Future Surpass Jones’ Legacy?

While Jon Jones has cemented his place as one of MMA’s all-time greats, no fighter can reign forever. Age and the evolution of younger fighters are working against him. Conversely, Aspinall is in his athletic prime, continually improving and driven to achieve new heights.

If Aspinall maintains his current trajectory and secures victories against top-tier opponents, he has a real chance of eclipsing Jones’ accomplishments to become the UFC’s new icon. With time and opportunity, Aspinall could not only conquer the UFC but also write a legacy that transcends Jon Jones.

UFC 309: Tom Aspinall được thông báo rằng anh ấy đã nói rằng anh ấy không thể tham dự cuộc họp báo Jon Jones-Stipe Miocic - BBC Sport

Conclusion

In MMA, comparisons between generations are always contentious. However, given what Tom Aspinall has already showcased, there’s no denying his potential to surpass Jon Jones’ legacy. Whether this becomes a reality remains to be seen, but Aspinall is undoubtedly carving out a path that positions him as the future face of the UFC heavyweight division.