When assessing the heavyweight division in the UFC, there are two fighters well ahead of the rest. Both Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones are the two most feared men in the division, with a fight between the pair potentially on the cards. Additionally, Dana White has hinted at it happening after announcing Ilia Topuria against Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title.
It’s a fight that needs to happen for both fighters. For Jones, he still has work to do at heavyweight if he is to depart the division as one of the best fighters it has witnessed. Likewise, Aspinall is on his own journey to the top of the sport and is clearly desperate to be officially crowned the finest heavyweight on the planet. For the fans who watch content on YouTube, follow their favorite fighters on Instagram, and make various UFC picks, it’s a tough fight to call. In fact, that’s what makes it even more exciting.
As the fight is getting closer to being made, though, many fans and experts alike seem to be picking Tom Aspinall for the win. He’s certainly a tricky customer for Jon Jones to overcome. Jones’ record speaks for itself, but he’s facing an entirely different proposition. Here’s why many people fancy the British fighter to reign supreme should the pair finally meet.
First and foremost, Tom Aspinall is a giant of a man. Compared to Jones, the Salford-born athlete’s sheer size and power are on another level. Of course, Jon Jones has the skills needed to evade any powerful shots and dictate the fight in the way he wants to, but Aspinall also possesses a strong fighting IQ, which, supplemented by his athleticism and raw power, makes him a formidable opponent for a fighter in Jones who hasn’t fought a lot of giants.
At the age of 37, Jon Jones is still looking impressive, but there is a strong argument to suggest that his best days are firmly behind him. Sure, the performance against Stipe Miocic made a statement, but it also highlighted just how finished Jones’ opponent was after too long away from the Octagon. Aspinall, on the other hand, is younger and fresher, with the 32-year-old continually improving while working alongside his father, Andy.
Jon Jones will undoubtedly aim to watch footage of Aspinall’s fights in an attempt to avoid the early knockout the Brit has dished out to his opponents so far. It’s one thing knowing it’s going to come and another thing trying to stop it, though. Aspinall can come at you from all angles, with his high finishing rate proving just how devastating he is. Aspinall has stated numerous times he would like his fights to last longer, but he’s just too good. His opponents haven’t been able to escape an early onslaught, and it’s a tall order when you’re in the Octagon with a man of his size and speed. Jones will prepare like he always does, but Aspinall’s attacks are varied and extremely fast.
What many people are ignoring when looking at Tom Aspinall’s career to date is his high skill level. He’s a skilled fighter, we just haven’t fully seen it yet due to his high finishing rate. His father has guided him his whole life, with Aspinall dedicating himself to the sport. He’s trained in boxing with Tyson Fury and his family, he’s a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and his strong wrestling abilities are evident. Overall, Tom Aspinall doesn’t really have a clear weakness.