Rico Verhoeven Ignites: ‘Tom Aspinall Will Knock Out Jon Jones – Jones is Finished!’ ‘ – Do you agree?

Rico Verhoeven, one of the most decorated heavyweight kickboxers of all time, has made a stunning prediction regarding a potential superfight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. As fans continue to clamor for a unification bout between the current UFC heavyweight champion and the interim titleholder, Verhoeven has boldly thrown his support behind his longtime training partner — and he isn’t holding back.

Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall: The Fight the World Wants to See

Few matchups in combat sports history carry as much intrigue as Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall. After dominating the light heavyweight division for more than a decade, Jones transitioned to heavyweight and captured gold by easily submitting Ciryl Gane in March 2023. He later finished Stipe Miocic, further solidifying his legendary status.

Yet questions remain. Is Jon Jones truly the king of the heavyweight division? His absence from the cage since the Miocic win and his refusal to face interim champ Tom Aspinall have cast a shadow over his reign.

Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall has laid waste to the division, demolishing opponents with blistering speed, technical prowess, and devastating finishing ability. The Brit’s ascent has been nothing short of meteoric, and many fans — and experts — believe he might be the true No.1 heavyweight in the UFC.

Enter Rico Verhoeven.

Rico Verhoeven’s Unshakable Faith in Aspinall

Speaking ahead of his own return to the GLORY ring to face Artem Vakhitov on June 14 in the Netherlands, Rico Verhoeven made it crystal clear where his allegiances lie.

“He’s going to wipe the floor with Jon Jones,” Verhoeven told MMA Fighting.

That’s not a statement Verhoeven made lightly. A dominant GLORY heavyweight champion with over a decade at the top, Verhoeven is widely respected for his insights and discipline. His assessment carries real weight in the world of elite combat sports.

According to Verhoeven, Tom Aspinall is unlike any opponent Jones has ever faced.

“Jon Jones doesn’t have a chance versus Tom Aspinall,” he added. “Mark my words. Tom Aspinall is a freaking monster. On his feet and on the ground.“

The Brotherhood Behind the Confidence

Verhoeven’s faith in Aspinall isn’t just based on admiration. The two have trained together over the years, forming a close friendship rooted in mutual respect and shared struggle.

“We call, we pick up for each other, we have each other’s backs, no matter what,” Verhoeven said of his bond with Aspinall.

“To others, he’s Tom Aspinall. To me, he’s my brother. He’s my friend. I appreciate and I love him. He’s the best, the sweetest, and the kindest guy. He’s so humble.”

That personal connection has shaped Verhoeven’s unwavering support. But this isn’t just sentiment — it’s rooted in what Verhoeven sees as unmatched skill and versatility from the British contender.

Verhoeven: Aspinall Would Be a Threat Even in Kickboxing

What makes Tom Aspinall so dangerous, according to Verhoeven, is his complete toolkit. While Jon Jones has fought elite wrestlers, strikers, and jiu-jitsu specialists, Verhoeven believes none compare to Aspinall’s hybrid skill set.

“I truly believe Jon Jones has never faced somebody that is that good on his feet,” Verhoeven asserted. “On the ground, he’s faced some guys that are pretty good. But on the feet? Tom would even do well in kickboxing.“

Coming from the GLORY king himself, that’s no small compliment. Verhoeven even went so far as to say Aspinall could be a legitimate opponent in a professional kickboxing match — a testament to Aspinall’s world-class striking.

“He would be a top competitor to fight me as well. So I love it.”

Aspinall’s Meteoric Rise Through the Heavyweight Ranks

Tom Aspinall has taken the UFC by storm. With blazing-fast hands, elite-level BJJ, and a calm, calculated demeanor, he’s finished almost every opponent he’s faced.

His first-round destruction of Sergei Pavlovich to capture the interim title at UFC 295 showcased his ability to handle even the most dangerous knockout artists with poise and power. Aspinall barely broke a sweat.

Now riding the momentum of that victory, fans and analysts alike see Aspinall as the most legitimate threat to Jon Jones’ throne.

Jones’ Legacy Questioned Without Facing Aspinall

As much as Jon Jones is considered the greatest MMA fighter of all time, his tenure at heavyweight has come under scrutiny. While his win over Gane was dominant and the finish of Miocic spectacular, critics argue he hasn’t truly been tested in the division.

And with Aspinall standing as the interim champion, the calls for a unification bout are growing louder by the day.

Many, including Verhoeven, believe that Jones is avoiding the Aspinall challenge. Whether due to injury, timing, or strategic career planning, the fight has yet to be booked — and that’s becoming a problem for Jones’ legacy.

If They Fight: How the Matchup Breaks Down

Should the UFC finally make Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall, it would be one of the biggest fights in heavyweight MMA history. Let’s break down what makes the matchup so compelling:

Striking: Jones is an unorthodox striker with incredible timing, reach, and creativity. But Aspinall brings sheer speed, accuracy, and boxing fundamentals that Jones has never encountered at heavyweight.

Grappling: Both fighters have strong wrestling and submission skills. However, Aspinall’s top control and agility are elite, and he’s proven himself capable of taking the fight anywhere.

Athleticism: For a man his size, Aspinall moves like a middleweight. Jones is also incredibly athletic, but Aspinall’s speed might be the X-factor.

Mentality: Jones is a proven winner, known for rising to the occasion. But Aspinall has ice in his veins, and his calm demeanor has served him well in high-pressure situations.

What Does This Mean for the UFC Heavyweight Division?

The longer the UFC waits to make this fight, the louder the doubts about Jones’ legitimacy at heavyweight will become. Fans want resolution. They want to see the best fight the best.

And if Rico Verhoeven’s words are any indication, there’s a growing belief among fighters and analysts that Tom Aspinall is the uncrowned champion — the man to finally dethrone Jon Jones.

If Jones doesn’t accept the fight soon, the narrative may shift away from him as the GOAT and toward Aspinall as the future of the division.

Will the UFC Book the Fight?

So far, UFC President Dana White has remained vague about the matchup. Jones’ recovery timeline from his injury has made scheduling difficult, and some rumors suggest he may face Stipe Miocic in a retirement bout instead.

But that’s not the fight the world wants.

Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall is the fight that will define this era of UFC heavyweights. It’s a clash of legacy vs ascension. And if Rico Verhoeven is right, it’s a clash that will end with Tom Aspinall standing tall.

Verhoeven’s Final Warning

Verhoeven didn’t mince words. His confidence in Aspinall is total.

“Jon Jones doesn’t have a chance versus Tom Aspinall,” he repeated.

If that fight ever happens, Verhoeven believes we’ll witness the passing of the torch, from one of the greatest champions of all time to the most complete heavyweight the sport has seen in years.

And if Rico Verhoeven, the king of kickboxing, believes that — maybe we should all pay attention.