Getting into a fight without making use of Fight IQ can make or break a fighter. Knowing what to do in each given situation can definitely turn tide in one’s favor. This is something the best of the bests like Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre and other greats understand quite well. Only by studying one’s opponent, combined with an immense octagon experience can a fighter decode an enemy. Something Tom Aspinall feels he has over Jones in terms of monitoring one another.
Jones has mentioned being a tape studier countless times throughout his career and even leading up to UFC 309. He has stated that he enjoys learning about his opponents’ habits and how they move, something Tom Aspinall doesn’t believe the heavyweight champion can do in his case. ‘Bones’ has treaded many miles inside the octagon, while the English fighter is still relatively new within the UFC. This could sometimes aid him in a big way that Jones simply cannot overcome. Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Aspinall explained his thoughts about the fight and why he is a dangerous match-up.
One of Jon Jones’ biggest advantages that he has over everybody, that he says in multiple interviews for multiple years, is that he is a tape studier as am I a massive tape studier. I watch the opponents, my coaches watch the opponents…He has no chance of doing that with me because my average fight is the shortest in UFC history at 2 minutes & 2 seconds over ten fights. That’s something that keeps him up in the night. I am a massive, massive question mark for him.
Tom Aspinall via The Ariel Helwani Show on YouTube
According to Jones, the Englishman is merely chasing a red panty night against him. Moreover, Jones is quite adamant that the interim champion hasn’t ‘earned’ the fight against him yet. Being a 16-year veteran and taking down many world champions, he feels Aspinall needs to make his way to the top. Jones’ open refusal to fight Aspinall hasn’t gone over well with the fans, as they continue to troll the American fighter.
Tom Aspinall’s message to Jon Jones:
“One of Jon Jones’s biggest advantages… is that he’s a tape studier…
Next to no footage of me is out there, apart from me bouncing people’s heads off the canvas.” 🥶
🎥 @arielhelwani #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/uFMe2bhydH
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 18, 2024
Retorting to the growing pressure from UFC brass and fans alike, Jones made his demands heard to the world. The 37-year-old American champion’s stipulation involved ‘F**k You’ money in order to take on the young fighter. Regardless of Jones’ continues snub, Aspinall feels quite confident about a fight against him in 2025.
Tom Aspinall is positive about fighting Jon Jones for undisputed heavyweight title
Speaking with Ariel Helwani, Tom Aspinall shed light on his conversation with UFC brass after the past PPV. Dana White’s team has taken it upon themselves to ensure that the fight happens no matter what, leaving only one choice for Jones after UFC 309, that is to give Aspinall, next crack at world title.
Tom Aspinall says he has positive news regarding Jon Jones unification fight (Image via Open Source)Aspinall touched upon a special meeting that he had with UFC leaders during the conversation. The English fighter revealed that the negotiations have yielded positive results and fans can expect big news. Keeping the content of the conversation private, Aspinall assured the fans to practice a little more patience to receive the news.
Jon’s being a sassy little flirt, this fight is going to happen….This is top secret stuff and I would never air people’s secret out like that, but what I can say is that it went very, very positive….they’ve got a lot negotiations to do obviously. Of course, that’s the way the world works, especially at this level…I am very optimistic.
Tom Aspinall via The Ariel Helwani Show YouTube
“Jon’s being a sassy little flirt… This fight is going to happen.”@AspinallMMA shares his level of optimism after meeting with the UFC brass after UFC 309 👀 pic.twitter.com/ZSnqVDh1gr
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) November 18, 2024
It seems like this mega-clash between two giant heavyweight rests on the negotiation table. ‘Bones’ has already made his demands heard, and it is up to the UFC to entice the champion. How things pan out in the long run rests in Dana White’s hand, but fans can feel relieved about this match-up possibly being booked in 2025.
