Fighting the weak will not prepare Tom Aspinall to become a Jon Jones legend.

Tom Aspinall has been making waves in the UFC’s heavyweight division, but is he truly ready for a legend like Jon Jones? While some consider him the future of the division, others argue that his lack of elite competition and relatively weak resume raise serious doubts. His slow style and inexperience against top-tier opponents may become a glaring weakness if he ever steps into the octagon against Jones.

Aspinall’s Path to the Top: A Closer Look at His Opponents

Tom Aspinall has certainly made an impression with his impressive record and quick finishes. However, critics argue that his list of former opponents does not contain the level of competition required to prepare him for an all-time great like Jon Jones. Let’s break down some of Aspinall’s most notable fights and whether they truly showcase his ability to compete at the highest level.

1. Andrei Arlovski (February 2021)

Aspinall faced Andrei Arlovski, a former UFC heavyweight champion, in what was considered a step up in competition. Despite his legendary status, Arlovski was past his prime and nowhere near the fighter he was during his title reign. Aspinall secured a second-round submission victory, but the win did little to prove he could handle elite-level heavyweights in their prime.

2. Sergey Spivak (September 2021)

Another big-name victory for Aspinall came against Sergey Spivak, a solid contender but not considered among the best in the division. While Spivak has a respectable skill set, he lacks the explosiveness and versatility that define the elite fighters of the heavyweight class. Aspinall’s quick first-round TKO was impressive, but it did not answer the question of how he would fare against a truly well-rounded fighter like Jon Jones.

3. Alexander Volkov (March 2022)

Perhaps Aspinall’s most significant win came against Alexander Volkov, a seasoned striker with experience against top-tier opponents. However, Volkov has struggled against elite grapplers and fighters with a high fight IQ. Aspinall secured a first-round submission, but skeptics believe that Volkov’s one-dimensional approach made him an easier target. Jon Jones, on the other hand, is far from one-dimensional and possesses a much higher level of fight intelligence.

4. Curtis Blaydes (July 2022)

Aspinall’s highly anticipated fight against Curtis Blaydes ended in disaster after he suffered a knee injury just 15 seconds into the bout. This fight was supposed to serve as a real test against a high-level wrestler, but due to the unfortunate injury, the MMA world never got the answers they were looking for. The lack of significant time in the octagon against a top-ranked opponent means Aspinall remains untested against the very best in the division.

5. Marcin Tybura (July 2023)

Aspinall returned from injury with a dominant performance against Marcin Tybura, scoring a first-round TKO. However, Tybura is not considered an elite contender and lacks the power, skill set, or athleticism to challenge top-tier heavyweights. This victory, while impressive, does little to prove that Aspinall can handle a fighter of Jon Jones’ caliber.

Aspinall’s Slow Style vs. Jon Jones’ Elite Skill Set

A major concern heading into a potential Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones showdown is Aspinall’s slow and methodical fighting style. While it has worked against lesser competition, it is unlikely to be effective against a fighter as versatile and experienced as Jon Jones. Here’s why:

• Speed & Movement: Jon Jones has some of the best movement in UFC history, making him incredibly difficult to hit. Aspinall’s slower approach could leave him exposed to counterattacks.

• Wrestling & Grappling: Jones is a world-class wrestler who has dominated Olympic-level wrestlers in the past. Aspinall’s grappling, while solid, is nowhere near Jones’ level.

• Fight IQ & Experience: Jones has fought and defeated the best in the world, from Daniel Cormier to Alexander Gustafsson. Aspinall has yet to prove he can handle elite competition.

Will Aspinall Ever Be Ready for Jon Jones?

While Tom Aspinall is undoubtedly talented, his resume does not justify a fight against Jon Jones at this point. If he truly wants to earn a shot at the greatest light heavyweight in UFC history, he must first prove himself against top-tier heavyweights like Ciryl Gane, Stipe Miocic, and Curtis Blaydes (in a rematch). Until then, the argument that he is ready for Jon Jones remains weak.

The heavyweight division is unpredictable, and Aspinall still has time to evolve. However, fighting weaker opponents will not prepare him for a legend like Jon Jones. If he truly wants to reach that level, he must face and defeat the very best—not just fighters on the decline or those outside the elite rankings.

Conclusion: Aspinall Has Work to Do

Tom Aspinall’s career is still young, and he has all the tools to become a dominant force in the heavyweight division. However, as of now, he has not faced the kind of elite competition necessary to prove he is ready for a fight with Jon Jones. Until he steps up and takes on true championship-level contenders, his path to legendary status remains uncertain.

For now, Jon Jones remains on another level, and Aspinall’s slow style and limited resume suggest that he still has a long way to go before he can truly challenge the GOAT of MMA.