Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall: Will the UFC Protect Their Golden Boy from a Brutal KO?

The announcement of Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall at UFC 317 has sent shockwaves through the MMA world. Fans are eagerly awaiting this heavyweight showdown, but a growing concern is looming over the fight: Will the UFC protect Jon Jones, their golden boy, from a brutal knockout?

For years, Jon Jones has been the face of the UFC, a dominant champion with a legacy that spans over a decade. However, his reign has been marred by controversies, including drug test failures, legal troubles, and accusations of favoritism by the UFC. Now, with Tom Aspinall, a rising British powerhouse, stepping into the octagon, many are questioning whether the UFC will allow a fair fight or intervene to protect their biggest star.

Jon Jones: The UFC’s Most Protected Champion?

Jon “Bones” Jones is arguably the greatest MMA fighter of all time, boasting an incredible record filled with dominant victories over legends. His technical brilliance, elite wrestling, and unmatched fight IQ have allowed him to remain at the top for over a decade. However, his career has not been without controversy.

Controversies Surrounding Jon Jones

Jones has tested positive for banned substances multiple times, yet the UFC has consistently stood by him. The most infamous example came in 2018 when he tested positive for turinabol, leading to UFC 232 being relocated from Las Vegas to California on short notice. This move, which many saw as the UFC bending the rules to accommodate Jones, sparked outrage among fans and fighters alike.

Furthermore, Jones has been involved in multiple legal troubles, including hit-and-run incidents, DUI arrests, and domestic violence allegations. Despite these repeated offenses, the UFC has always found a way to keep him active and promote him as their biggest star.

Tom Aspinall: The Dangerous Challenger

Unlike Jones, Tom Aspinall has taken a much quieter, yet equally devastating path to the top. The British heavyweight has quickly risen through the ranks with his lightning-fast hands, technical striking, and an underrated ground game. Many believe that he is the biggest threat to Jon Jones’ title reign.

Aspinall’s Path to UFC 317

Aspinall became the interim UFC heavyweight champion after an incredible knockout win over Sergei Pavlovich. His combination of power, speed, and composure inside the cage has made him one of the most exciting heavyweights in recent years. However, despite his dominant performances, many feel that the UFC has not given him the same level of promotion or favoritism as other fighters.

Aspinall’s strengths lie in his ability to pressure opponents, land clean power shots, and use his BJJ black belt skills if needed. His striking is crisp, and he possesses knockout power in both hands. Against Jones, who has never been known for his knockout power, Aspinall could be the first fighter to truly put Jones in danger inside the octagon.

Will the UFC Protect Jon Jones from Defeat?

As the fight draws closer, many fans and analysts have begun speculating whether the UFC will manipulate circumstances to favor Jones. There are multiple ways this could happen:

1. Controversial Refereeing Decisions

One of the most common ways a fighter can be protected is through refereeing bias. We have seen instances where referees have allowed fighters to recover longer than usual, avoided stopping fights at crucial moments, or ignored clear fouls committed by high-profile fighters.

If Jones finds himself in trouble against Aspinall, will the referee step in to protect him? Many fear that an early stoppage could be avoided if Jones is hurt, while Aspinall might not get the same benefit.

2. Judging Controversy

In MMA, judging has always been a major issue, with many fights ending in controversial decisions. If Jones vs. Aspinall goes the distance, will the judges favor Jones regardless of performance? There have been past fights where Jones was awarded a victory in extremely close fights, such as his controversial decision win against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247.

3. USADA & Drug Testing Favoritism

The UFC’s relationship with USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) has been questioned many times, especially when it comes to Jon Jones. Many fans believe that Jones has received special treatment when it comes to drug testing policies.

Could the UFC and USADA ensure that any positive tests from Jones are swept under the rug while keeping Aspinall under intense scrutiny? It wouldn’t be the first time accusations of such behavior have surfaced.

4. Hand-Picked Fight Conditions

The UFC has been known to manipulate fight conditions in favor of certain fighters. If Jones is dealing with an injury or doesn’t feel confident, could the UFC delay the fight or change the opponent at the last moment? This has happened before with previous Jones fights when UFC officials made drastic changes to ensure Jones remained active.

What Happens If Tom Aspinall Knocks Out Jon Jones?

If Tom Aspinall manages to knock out Jon Jones, it would be one of the most shocking moments in UFC history. The implications would be massive:

1. End of an Era? – Jones’ dominance would be questioned, and retirement talks could begin.

2. Aspinall Becomes the New Star – The British heavyweight would instantly become a global superstar.

3. UFC Loses Their Biggest Draw? – Would Dana White and the UFC accept Jones’ defeat, or would they attempt to set up an immediate rematch with more favorable conditions for Jones?

4. A Shift in the Heavyweight Division – A win for Aspinall could signal a new era in the heavyweight division, moving away from past champions and into the future of the sport.

Final Thoughts: Will This Be a Fair Fight?

As the fight approaches, the biggest question remains: Will the UFC truly allow Jon Jones to fight on an even playing field? History suggests that favoritism could play a role, but Tom Aspinall’s skillset is undeniable, and if he gets the opportunity to fight clean, he could deliver one of the biggest upsets in UFC history.

MMA fans are hoping for a fair, competitive fight without any external interference. If the UFC truly values integrity and competition, then Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall should be one of the most exciting heavyweight title fights ever.

However, if UFC favoritism once again rears its ugly head, fans may be left questioning whether true competition still exists in the sport. Will the golden boy be protected, or will Tom Aspinall shock the world? The answer will come on June 29 at UFC 317 in Las Vegas.