Tom Aspinall has made it clear that he wants to fight Jon Jones. The UFC interim heavyweight champion is doing everything in his power to secure a bout with the legendary fighter, but so far, Jones has shown little interest. Aspinall, who has been vocal about his ambitions, remains hopeful that the fight will happen sooner rather than later. While waiting for a potential showdown, Aspinall has been training with the world’s strongest man, preparing for what could be the biggest fight of his career. However, despite their intense rivalry, the British powerhouse has nothing but respect for Jones' skills inside the Octagon.
Tom Aspinall’s Respect for Jon Jones and Dricus Du Plessis
In a recent YouTube video,
Tom Aspinall rated several UFC fighters on a scale from one to ten, and Jones—along with middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis—came out on top, each receiving a near-perfect 9.5. His rankings provide insight into the way he views his competition and highlight his admiration for those who have reached the pinnacle of the sport. The British star has always admired technical mastery, and both Jones and Du Plessis showcase exceptional skills in their respective divisions.
During his video, Aspinall didn’t hand out a perfect score to any fighter, but two men stood above the rest:
Jon Jones and
Dricus Du Plessis.
Discussing the reigning middleweight champion, Aspinall stated, “9.5, because he makes that unorthodox style work for him, and none of his opponents have any idea how to deal with it. Super smart fighter.”
He gave the same rating to Jones, acknowledging his greatness despite their ongoing rivalry. “9.5. Nobody can be the perfect fighter, but he’s definitely close to it.”
The respect is notable, given that Aspinall has been aggressively pursuing a fight with Jones. The matchup would be a battle between a living legend and a hungry knockout artist eager to prove himself at the highest level. However, as of now, the fight remains uncertain. Some believe that Jones has been advised to avoid Aspinall, recognizing the threat posed by the hard-hitting Brit.
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While Aspinall continues to push for the fight, the ball is in Jones’ court. The reigning champion has yet to show enthusiasm for the potential matchup, leaving fans wondering if it will ever materialize. But one thing is clear—Aspinall respects greatness when he sees it, even if it’s standing in his way.
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