Jon Jones’ recent win over Stipe Miocic has some fans buzzing, but for me, it only highlighted why Jones would struggle against a fighter like Tom Aspinall. On the surface, Jon’s victory looks impressive—he got the finish, claimed the title, and basked in his “greatest of all time” narrative. But if you really break down the performance, it becomes clear: Jones’ deficiencies against a fighter like Aspinall are undeniable.
First, let’s talk about speed. Against Stipe, Jones wasn’t the dominant, lightning-fast fighter we saw in his prime. He was slow to react, especially on the feet. Stipe, despite being well past his best, was still able to land on Jones a few times. That’s a serious red flag when you consider how fast Tom Aspinall is. Aspinall has that explosive speed and athleticism that can close the distance in the blink of an eye, something Jones clearly struggles with. Aspinall would exploit that lack of speed with devastating counters and attacks, landing clean shots while Jon backpedals.
Jon’s footwork, while usually sharp, looked sluggish against a slower opponent. In round two, he was backing up in straight lines, something that would be suicidal against someone as fast and precise as Aspinall. Tom’s movement, his ability to cut off the cage and land on his opponents, would put Jon under constant pressure, something he seemed reluctant to handle against a clearly over-the-hill Stipe. If Stipe can land on you, even with diminished reflexes and power, Aspinall would have a field day.
Another critical aspect is Jones’ striking. His punches just didn’t look sharp. His hands were slow, and he wasn’t committing to his shots the way he did in his prime. While his kicks and ground game are still elite, his boxing has always been one of his weakest points. Aspinall, on the other hand, is a powerhouse in that department—his punches come fast, his combinations are fluid, and he’s got knockout power in both hands. Against someone as fast and technical as Aspinall, Jones’ slow hands would be a serious liability.
And let’s not forget the ground game. Sure, Jon is a master at takedowns and control, but against someone as agile and dangerous as Aspinall, it’s a whole different ballgame. Aspinall isn’t just good on the ground—he’s dangerous there. His submission game, particularly from the bottom, is strong, and his ability to get back to his feet quickly would make him a nightmare for Jon. If Jones can’t dominate the clinch and takedown exchanges like he usually does, he’ll find himself in unfamiliar territory.
Jon’s victory over Stipe was underwhelming at best. He beat a fighter who was too slow, too hesitant, and too past his prime to present a real challenge. But when you look at Tom Aspinall, you’re talking about a fighter who is fast, powerful, and has the skillset to exploit the very holes in Jon’s game that were exposed against Stipe. Aspinall would pressure Jon from the opening bell, land shots with precision, and finish him before Jones has the chance to impose his will.
In conclusion, Jon Jones’ performance against Stipe Miocic wasn’t some return to his old form—it was a sign that he’s vulnerable against younger, faster competition. Aspinall, with his speed, precision, and overall skill, would be a nightmare matchup for Jones. If they ever meet in the octagon, don’t be surprised if Jon’s reign as heavyweight champion is short-lived. The holes in his game are too big for someone like Tom Aspinall to ignore.
