Aspinall – The Dark Horse That Could Eclipse Jon Jones

For over a decade, Jon Jones has been the most dominant force in mixed martial arts. His reign in the UFC light heavyweight division was nothing short of legendary, and his move to heavyweight was supposed to cement his status as the greatest fighter of all time. However, there’s a storm brewing—one that could shatter his legacy.

Enter Tom Aspinall. The British heavyweight has been tearing through the division with an ease that makes even the most hardened fight fans take notice. Unlike the many challengers who have come before him, Aspinall possesses a unique blend of speed, power, and technical prowess that makes him a serious threat to Jones’ throne.

Could Tom Aspinall be the man to dethrone Jon Jones? Is this the beginning of a changing of the guard in the UFC’s heaviest division? Or will Jones prove, once again, that he is untouchable?

The Rise of Tom Aspinall: A Heavyweight Like No Other

The heavyweight division has long been known for big, lumbering brawlers who rely on sheer power rather than finesse. Fighters like Francis Ngannou, Derrick Lewis, and even Stipe Miocic have built their careers on knockout power, but none of them possess the fluidity and athleticism that Tom Aspinall brings to the octagon.

Aspinall moves like a middleweight trapped in a heavyweight’s body. His footwork, striking accuracy, and ability to mix up his attacks make him a nightmare matchup for anyone. Unlike most heavyweights who rely on brute force, Aspinall fights with precision and intelligence.

Why Aspinall is Different from Other Heavyweights

• Blistering Speed: Heavyweights are not supposed to move the way Aspinall does. He cuts angles, dodges punches, and counters with lightning-fast combinations that resemble a much lighter fighter.
• Elite Boxing Skills: Aspinall’s background in boxing gives him an advantage over most UFC heavyweights, who often lack technical striking. He doesn’t just swing wildly—he picks his shots with surgical precision.
• Underrated Ground Game: Many overlook Aspinall’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, but his grappling is just as dangerous as his striking. Unlike Francis Ngannou, who struggled on the ground, Aspinall has the skills to take the fight anywhere and dominate.
• Killer Instinct: When Aspinall smells blood, he finishes fights. He doesn’t allow opponents to recover, making him one of the most dangerous finishers in the heavyweight division.

His ability to blend speed, striking, and grappling seamlessly makes him one of the most unique fighters the division has ever seen. But can he really take down Jon Jones, the most complete fighter in MMA history?

Jon Jones: Still the GOAT, But for How Long?

There is no denying that Jon Jones is the greatest light heavyweight of all time. His resume speaks for itself: victories over legends like Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, Lyoto Machida, and Rampage Jackson.

However, Jones is no longer in his prime. While he remains undefeated in official competition, there are clear signs that he may not be the unstoppable force he once was.

Why Jon Jones Might Be Vulnerable

1. Age and Inactivity

   • Jones hasn’t been an active fighter in years. His last fight before moving to heavyweight was in 2020, and before that, he had long layoffs due to suspensions and contract disputes.
   • Time is not on his side. While he dominated in his 20s, he is now in his mid-30s, and younger, fresher fighters like Aspinall are hungry for the throne.

2. Declining Performances at Light Heavyweight

   • His last two fights at 205 pounds were far from dominant. Many believe he lost to Dominick Reyes, and his fight with Thiago Santos was unconvincing.
   • If fighters in the smaller weight class were able to exploit weaknesses, what happens when a faster, stronger, and more powerful heavyweight gets his hands on Jones?

3. Heavyweight is a Different Beast

   • Jones may have dominated at light heavyweight, but heavyweight is an entirely different game. Fighters hit harder, the pace is slower, and one mistake can be the end of a fight.
   • He looked great against Ciryl Gane, but Gane was an incomplete fighter with poor grappling. Aspinall is no Ciryl Gane—he is a well-rounded monster who won’t fold under pressure.

Despite these concerns, Jon Jones is still Jon Jones. His fight IQ, experience, and championship mentality make him a dangerous opponent for anyone. But for the first time in years, there is a legitimate reason to believe that his time at the top is coming to an end.

What Happens If They Fight? The Ultimate Showdown

A potential fight between Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones would be one of the biggest in UFC history. It wouldn’t just be a title fight—it would be a passing of the torch or the final testament to Jones’ greatness.

Here’s how the fight could play out:

Advantages for Aspinall

• Speed and Striking – Jones has never fought someone with Aspinall’s combination of speed and technical striking. While Jones is known for his reach advantage, Aspinall’s quick footwork and ability to close the distance could neutralize it.
• Power and Precision – Jones has been hit before, but never by someone with Aspinall’s knockout ability. If Aspinall lands clean, Jones could go down for the first time in his career.
• Wrestling Defense and Submissions – Jones is an elite wrestler, but Aspinall’s BJJ game is good enough to prevent him from getting controlled on the ground.

Advantages for Jon Jones

• Fight IQ and Experience – Jones has been in more high-pressure fights than anyone in UFC history. He knows how to adapt and adjust mid-fight, something that Aspinall hasn’t had to do yet.
• Cardio and Endurance – Jones is used to five-round wars, while Aspinall has never been tested in deep waters. If Jones drags him into the championship rounds, will Aspinall still be dangerous?
• Unpredictability – Jones has an unorthodox style, throwing elbows, spinning kicks, and creative strikes that could throw Aspinall off his game.

The fight would be a clash of generations, styles, and legacies. If Aspinall wins, he becomes the new face of heavyweight MMA. If Jones wins, his claim as the GOAT of all weight classes becomes even stronger.

The End of an Era or the Greatest Test of Jones’ Career?

The UFC heavyweight division is at a crossroads. Jon Jones, the most dominant fighter of his generation, stands as the undisputed king. But in the shadows, a hungry, fast-rising contender is preparing to take everything he has worked for.

Will Tom Aspinall be the man to finally dethrone Jon Jones? Or will Jones prove, once again, that he is untouchable?

One thing is certain—if this fight happens, it will be one of the biggest showdowns in UFC history.

Who do you think wins? The legendary Jon Jones or the dark horse Tom Aspinall?