Demetrious Johnson Prepares for Tom Aspinall: How to Avoid Jon Jones’ Legendary Eye Poke to Get Ready for UFC Title Unification

In the world of mixed martial arts, fight preparation often blends intense training with quirky, meme-worthy moments that go viral in seconds. One such moment recently lit up social media: Demetrious Johnson teaching Tom Aspinall how to defend against Jon Jones’ notorious eye poke technique—and doing it with a dose of humor that fans couldn’t get enough of. What started as a light-hearted jab at one of MMA’s most controversial fight tactics quickly evolved into an insightful display of fighter awareness, defensive evolution, and veteran mentorship.

While some fans laughed at the exaggerated demonstration, others saw a deeper message: even champions like Tom Aspinall, the current UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion, can learn valuable techniques—especially from legends like “Mighty Mouse” Demetrious Johnson. Whether you saw it as comedy or strategy, this viral clip perfectly captured the blend of skill, personality, and preparation that defines modern MMA.

The Viral Clip: When Technique Meets Comedy

It all began when a short video surfaced online showing Demetrious Johnson playfully coaching Aspinall on how to defend against Jon Jones’ infamous open-handed strikes. With his hands mimicking Jones’ classic pawing motion—fingers extended, ready to irritate or accidentally poke—Johnson moved in mock-slow motion as Aspinall exaggerated his reactions, shielding his eyes like a skittish boxer facing a swarm of bees.

The video quickly spread across MMA forums, Reddit threads, and Twitter/X, with fans labeling it “MMA comedy gold.” But as with most jokes in the fight game, there was a sharp truth underneath: Jon Jones has long been criticized for his tendency to use open-hand striking and eye pokes to manage distance. And in a potential future bout against Aspinall, the heavyweight would be wise to prepare for every angle—including the pokes.

As Johnson jokingly coached, “Just parry here. Then duck left. Now look away. Pretend you’re at the DMV.” Aspinall doubled over in laughter, but the message stuck. Defense isn’t just about power—it’s about timing, reflexes, and yes, awareness of your opponent’s habits.

Jon Jones and the Eye Poke Controversy

To understand the humor behind the video, one has to recognize Jon Jones’ long-standing eye poke controversy. Despite his undeniable dominance inside the Octagon, the former light heavyweight king has repeatedly been criticized for extending his fingers while striking—sometimes resulting in accidental (or strategic, depending on who you ask) eye pokes.

From Daniel Cormier to Glover Teixeira, several of Jones’ past opponents have complained publicly about the tactic. The UFC even modified its foul warning protocols and glove designs in part due to his persistent use of the extended hand technique. However, the pattern persisted, and Jones often skirted official warnings without ever receiving a point deduction.

This reputation has become part of MMA lore, turning eye pokes into a meme-worthy hallmark of the Jones fighting style. And that’s what made Demetrious Johnson’s impersonation so funny—and relevant.

Demetrious Johnson: From GOAT to Coach

Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson is widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. Known for his elite fight IQ, fluid movement, and technical precision, Johnson dominated the UFC flyweight division for years before continuing his legacy in ONE Championship. But he’s also developed a reputation as a tactical thinker and mentor, especially in his recent YouTube content and training seminars.

In the video with Aspinall, Johnson wasn’t just joking around—he was subtly breaking down fighter tendencies and using humor as a teaching tool. This is a signature move from the former champ, who often incorporates storytelling and banter into his breakdowns.

Johnson’s presence around heavyweight rising stars like Aspinall also signals his growing role as a respected figure in fighter development. His ability to articulate strategies in a memorable way, even through comedy, gives him a unique edge as both a teacher and ambassador of the sport.

Tom Aspinall: Always Learning, Always Laughing

As for Tom Aspinall, the reigning interim heavyweight champ, his reaction in the clip was pure gold. Laughing through his guard, he showcased the kind of personality that has made him a fan favorite: laid-back, smart, and always game for a good joke—even at his own expense.

But beneath the laughter is a fighter who’s constantly evolving. Aspinall has climbed to the top of the UFC heavyweight division with his explosive movement, sharp boxing, and fight IQ rarely seen in fighters his size. If a bout with Jon Jones eventually materializes—a superfight fans have long hoped for—Aspinall will need more than knockout power. He’ll need to prepare for Jones’ reach, rhythm, and yes, those extended fingers.

By taking Johnson’s lesson with good humor and open ears, Aspinall showed exactly why he’s such a dangerous contender: he’s never above learning, even if it comes in the form of a meme.

The Strategic Side of Eye Poke Awareness

Though the video was comedic, there’s a serious strategy lesson underneath. Eye pokes—intentional or not—can disrupt a fighter’s timing, rhythm, and mental focus. Fighters like Jon Jones, whether deliberately or habitually, have used these tactics to control range and deter aggressive movement.

Defending against them isn’t just about blocking. It requires:

• High hand position awareness

• Distance control discipline

• Head movement and parrying techniques

• Pre-fight mental preparation

Demetrious Johnson’s parody highlighted this in a way that sticks. By turning the poke defense into something memorable, he may have done more to educate fans—and Aspinall—than any film room ever could.

MMA Fans React: Laughter, Insight, and Hype

The MMA community responded to the video with a mix of hilarious comments and analytical takes. One Reddit user wrote: “Mighty Mouse teaching Aspinall how to counter the deadliest move in MMA—Jones’ finger jab! Legendary.”

Another joked: “Forget wrestling. Train the optic nerves, boys!”

But others took a more serious tone, praising Johnson’s ability to use comedy to expose legitimate gaps in modern MMA rules. Some fans suggested the UFC needs to go further in redesigning gloves or issuing stricter penalties for habitual pokers.

Meanwhile, anticipation for a Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall showdown grew louder. Fans speculated on how Aspinall’s speed and boxing would match up against Jones’ reach, fight IQ, and—inevitably—his “accidental” fouls.

The Road to a Potential Superfight

With Jon Jones currently recovering from injury and Tom Aspinall holding the interim heavyweight belt, a unification bout seems inevitable. UFC President Dana White has hinted at the matchup multiple times, calling it a “legacy fight” for both men.

If the bout happens, it would pit the most dominant light heavyweight of all time against the new generation’s most agile heavyweight. And while the stylistic clash is exciting, moments like the Johnson-Aspinall video add a layer of fan engagement and narrative build-up that money can’t buy.

From meme to momentum, this viral moment has now become part of the pre-fight storytelling—setting the tone for what could be one of the biggest fights in heavyweight MMA history.

Final Thoughts: Humor Meets High-Level MMA

Demetrious Johnson’s playful teaching moment reminded us that even in a brutal sport like MMA, there’s room for levity, personality, and community. His mock lesson about Jon Jones’ eye pokes served as both a comedic interlude and a genuine strategic reminder.

Tom Aspinall’s reaction showed why he’s not just a champion in skill but in character. He embraced the joke, respected the teacher, and—most importantly—showed fans that learning never stops, even when the stakes are high.

Whether or not the eye poke defense makes a difference in a future title unification bout, the image of Johnson playfully pawing at Aspinall will remain a highlight in MMA’s ever-growing library of iconic moments.

And next time Aspinall faces a long, open hand coming his way, don’t be surprised if he smiles—remembering Mighty Mouse’s words: “Just look away. Pretend you’re at the DMV.”