Tom Aspinall is just a hype job from England, and Jon Jones is a coward avoiding a real fight?

The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) is never short on controversy, bold claims, and heated debates. One of the most polarizing discussions currently surrounding the sport revolves around Tom Aspinall, the rising British heavyweight star, and Jon Jones, the legendary but often criticized UFC champion. Some critics argue that Aspinall is merely a hype job from England, while others believe that Jones is a coward strategically avoiding real threats in the division. But how much truth is there to these claims? Let’s take a deeper dive.

Tom Aspinall: A Genuine Heavyweight Contender or Just Hype?

1. The Meteoric Rise of Tom Aspinall

Hailing from Manchester, Tom Aspinall has rapidly become one of the most exciting prospects in the UFC heavyweight division. With an impressive combination of speed, technical boxing, and submission skills, he has torn through opponents with ease, often finishing fights in the first round.

His UFC journey has been nothing short of dominant, securing major wins against seasoned fighters like Marcin Tybura, Sergey Spivak, and Alexander Volkov. However, despite his success, some critics believe that Aspinall has yet to face the very best in the division, making his current reputation somewhat inflated.

2. Does Aspinall Have the Resume to Prove Himself?

While Tom Aspinall has certainly made waves, the question remains: has he been tested against the true elites of the heavyweight division? His supporters argue that his dominant performances are a testament to his skill set, while detractors claim he has not yet fought the likes of Ciryl Gane, Stipe Miocic, or Francis Ngannou (before his UFC departure).

Some also point to his unfortunate knee injury against Curtis Blaydes, which left many questions unanswered about how he would perform against top-tier wrestlers. The UFC interim heavyweight championship win was a major milestone, but some argue it was against an aging opponent rather than a prime, elite-level fighter.

3. Is Aspinall Overrated or a Future Champion?

Despite the doubts, Aspinall’s skill set is undeniable. His ability to blend striking with elite-level grappling makes him one of the most well-rounded heavyweights in the division. Unlike traditional heavyweights who rely on brute force, he brings speed, precision, and versatility.

While some may still call him a hype job, it’s clear that he has the potential to become a dominant champion. Whether he can maintain this momentum against the division’s best, including Jon Jones, remains to be seen.

Jon Jones: A Legendary Fighter or a Coward Dodging True Challenges?

1. The Greatness of Jon Jones

When discussing the greatest fighters in UFC history, Jon Jones is almost always at the top of the conversation. With an unmatched fight IQ, devastating striking, elite wrestling, and a resume filled with victories over former champions, he has proven time and again that he is one of the most skilled MMA fighters of all time.

After years of dominance in the light heavyweight division, Jones made the move to heavyweight, winning the title against Ciryl Gane in a one-sided submission victory. However, despite this success, his critics claim that he has been avoiding true challenges, especially against rising stars like Tom Aspinall.

2. Is Jones Avoiding Tough Opponents?

The biggest argument against Jon Jones is his alleged avoidance of true competition in the heavyweight division. Many fans expected him to face Francis Ngannou before the former champion left for the PFL, but the fight never materialized. Similarly, despite Tom Aspinall calling for a fight, Jones has shown little interest in taking on the British powerhouse.

Instead, he has focused on a legacy fight against Stipe Miocic, a former champion who is nearing the end of his career. This decision has led some to believe that Jones is strategically choosing easier fights rather than facing the new generation of dangerous heavyweights.

3. A Tactical Decision or a Cowardly Move?

Jon Jones has always been calculated in his approach to fights, and many believe his decision to fight Miocic over Aspinall is simply a strategic move. A win over Miocic would further solidify his GOAT status, while a fight against Aspinall comes with significantly more risk.

While some fans argue that Jones is dodging the true threats of the division, others believe that at this stage in his career, he has earned the right to pick his fights. However, if he truly wants to prove he is still the best, a fight against Tom Aspinall is inevitable.

What Would Happen If Aspinall and Jones Fought?

1. A Clash of Styles

A fight between Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones would be a fascinating matchup. Aspinall’s striking and speed could pose significant problems for Jones, while Jones’ experience, wrestling, and fight IQ would give him a major advantage.

The key factors in this fight would be:

• Jones’ ability to control the distance and use his wrestling

• Aspinall’s speed and knockout power

• Jones’ experience in high-pressure fights

2. Could Aspinall Be the One to Dethrone Jones?

If there is any heavyweight who has the tools to beat Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall is near the top of the list. His speed, technique, and ability to finish fights make him a legitimate threat. However, beating Jones is no easy task. Jones has never lost a fight by knockout or submission, and his ability to adapt mid-fight has made him nearly invincible.

For Aspinall to win, he would need to keep the fight standing, use his footwork to avoid takedowns, and capitalize on any openings in the striking exchanges.

3. Will This Fight Ever Happen?

The biggest question is whether Jon Jones will ever accept a fight against Tom Aspinall. If he successfully defeats Stipe Miocic, the demand for a fight against Aspinall will only grow louder. The UFC could potentially pressure Jones into taking the fight, especially if Aspinall continues to dominate the division.

If Jones avoids the fight and retires after facing Miocic, it will further fuel the belief that he dodged the toughest challenges in the heavyweight division.

Conclusion: Hype Job vs. Greatest of All Time?

The narratives surrounding Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones are filled with speculation, criticism, and heated debate. While some believe Aspinall is an overhyped English fighter, his performances suggest otherwise. His combination of speed, power, and skill make him a legitimate contender.

On the other hand, Jon Jones is one of the greatest fighters of all time, but his selective fight choices have led many to question whether he is avoiding true challenges. If he wants to solidify his legacy beyond doubt, he may need to prove himself against Tom Aspinall.

The only way to settle this debate is inside the octagon. Until then, fans will continue to argue: Is Aspinall truly elite, or is Jones dodging his toughest fight yet?