
via Imago
via IMAGO

via Imago
via IMAGO
The heavyweight division in the UFC has become the talk of the MMA world, with fans, pundits, and even AI discussing the ongoing drama. Jon Jones sits on the throne with Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion, eagerly awaiting a unification bout. So, what’s next for the division?
Jones has expressed interest in facing Alex Pereira, while the Englishman is adamant about getting his shot at the undisputed title. Amid this frenzy, fans and analysts alike are busy speculating on who would come out on top if Dana White officially announces the fight. From Yoel Romero to Daniel Cormier, opinions are flying about the potential matchup. Now, former UFC heavyweight champ Frank Mir has also weighed in. Mir didn’t just share his pick; he provided detailed stats and analysis to back up his argument. So, let’s dive straight into it!
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Frank Mir chooses his pick for Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall
Bear Degidio recently shared a snippet from the JAXXON podcast, where Frank Mir discussed untold UFC stories and shared his thoughts on the current heavyweight drama. One notable moment came when Mir referenced a statement Jon Jones made before his UFC 309 clash with Stipe Miocic, “You’re not the champ unless you defend that belt.”
Many fans questioned whether Miocic deserved the title shot, especially with Tom Aspinall making waves in the heavyweight division. Now that Jones has defeated Miocic, the debate about a potential showdown between Jones and Aspinall has been reignited. Dana White has even weighed in, giving his approval for the fight. In a post-fight press conference after UFC Tampa, White said, “I’ll say 100 percent (the fight happens).”
The former UFC heavyweight champion believes the heavyweight division is handling the current chaos well. He supported Jones’ decision to face a higher-ranked fighter like Alex Pereira. However, Mir also made it clear that he respects Aspinall’s chances. Mir said, “I would bet on Jon. I think Tom has quick hands, which gives him a better chance than most. I think Tom might have a better chance than anybody to beat Jon right now in the UFC. But that being said, I think Jon wins the fight just because of his wrestling. I think he puts Tom on his back and can nullify his jiu-jitsu from being in top position with his elbows and control.”

What’s your perspective on:
Is Jon Jones' reign in the heavyweight division truly unchallenged, or is Aspinall the real threat?
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Mir also acknowledged Aspinall’s skills, noting that the Englishman has a good shot at victory. He pointed out that “Jones does have an issue with speed,” highlighting his vulnerabilities when it comes to agility, referencing his struggles in the first round against Lyoto Machida way back in 2011. Despite Jones winning that fight, Mir said Jones had a tough time due to Machida’s speed, describing it as a “chess match” rather than a “slugfest.”
Ultimately, Mir gave Jones the advantage, largely because of his wrestling ability. Now we know what Frank Mir thinks but what about other MMA veterans? Let’s see!
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MMA veterans weigh in on the clash between Jones and Aspinall
Yoel Romero recently weighed in on the highly anticipated Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall matchup, and his prediction was clear: Jones will have an easy win. The Cuban fighter shared his thoughts with confidence, backing Jones to come out on top. Romero believes Jones possesses an almost supernatural ability to control the course of his fights, stating, “[Jon Jones] will finish him. The thing is, Jonny has the form… God gave him the talent of being able to read what’s going on.”
Romero continued, emphasizing that this perception, this innate ability to understand the dynamics of a fight, is something that not everyone has, “Not everyone has that perception. God gave him that talent.” Despite Jones’ controversies surrounding doping violations and legal issues, Romero is firm in his belief that Jones’ talent and fight IQ will lead him to victory when it matters most. However, not everyone is on the same page.
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Demetrious Johnson, one of the most respected names in MMA history, has taken a different stance. Johnson believes that Aspinall, known for his swift pace—a rare trait for a heavyweight—has the potential to pull off the impossible and defeat Jones. Johnson’s faith in Aspinall’s speed and agility gives him hope that the Englishman could present a unique challenge to Jones’ well-rounded game.
But will Dana White be able to meet Jones’ terms and make the fight happen? The stakes are high, and the MMA community is eagerly awaiting the answer. What do you think? Can Aspinall defeat Jones, or will ‘Bones’ continue to reign supreme? Share your thoughts below.
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Is Jon Jones' reign in the heavyweight division truly unchallenged, or is Aspinall the real threat?