After securing his 28th victory, Jon Jones made headlines not only for his impressive performance but also for his post-fight revelations. Announcing he doesn’t plan to retire, Jones hinted at a potential fight that has captured fans’ imaginations. The name on everyone’s lips? Tom Aspinall.
Aspinall, a heavyweight with lightning-fast speed and devastating power, represents a new era in MMA. Fans can’t help but speculate whether Jones, at 37 years old, can stand up to the challenge posed by this younger, more dynamic opponent.
Reason 1: Knockout Power
Jon Jones’ knockout victory over Stipe Miocic was undeniably spectacular, but it also raised questions. While Miocic is a legendary champion, he is past his prime, and Jones’ ability to finish him in the third round didn’t mask some underlying concerns about his power in the heavyweight division.
On the other hand, Tom Aspinall’s resume is filled with jaw-dropping knockouts. His ability to put opponents to sleep with a single punch sets him apart as one of the most dangerous heavyweights today. Aspinall’s knockout victory over Sergey Pavlovich—a fighter regarded as a knockout artist himself—underscored his power and dominance.
Reason 2: Grappling Skills
Jon Jones is renowned for his grappling prowess, with his submission victory over Ciryl Gane being a testament to his skill. However, Ciryl Gane is primarily a striker, and his lack of grappling expertise made him vulnerable to Jones’ ground game.
Tom Aspinall brings a different level of grappling. Raised by a father who is a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Aspinall’s ground game is refined and formidable. He has repeatedly demonstrated his submission abilities, making him a well-rounded fighter capable of challenging Jones in all areas of the game.
Reason 3: Endurance
Jon Jones’ performance against Miocic showed signs of fatigue as the fight progressed. While Jones remains technical and dangerous in the early rounds, his stamina seems to wane over time.
In contrast, Tom Aspinall thrives under pressure and maintains a relentless pace throughout his fights. His ability to outlast and outwork opponents could give him the edge in a matchup against Jones.
Reason 4: Physical Prime
Age is a crucial factor in sports, and Jon Jones, at 37, is past his physical prime. While his experience and skill remain unmatched, the natural decline that comes with aging cannot be ignored.
Tom Aspinall, on the other hand, is at the peak of his physical capabilities. This advantage in youth and athleticism makes him a serious threat to Jones’ reign.
Reason 5: Mentality and Motivation
The mindset of a fighter often determines the outcome of a match. Jon Jones, with an illustrious career and countless accolades, appears to have less to prove. His hesitancy to fight Aspinall, opting instead for a potential bout with Alex Pereira, raises questions about his motivation.
In contrast, Tom Aspinall is hungry. As the interim heavyweight champion, he sees this fight as the opportunity of a lifetime—a chance to cement his legacy by defeating the greatest of all time.
