So far in the UFC, Tom Aspinall has competed against some of the world’s toughest men. However, he wanted to take it a step further by getting into a physical test with the World’s Strongest Man, Tom Stoltman. Stoltman is a whopping 6ft 8in and weighs in at over 400 pounds (180 kg); however, Aspinall managed to take him down twice as the two sparred. But why were they sparring in the first place? Was it a message for Jon Jones?

Well, it was all a part of the interim heavyweight champion teaching the giant the mechanics of a proper takedown. In this takedown tutorial, Tom Aspinall instructed Tom Stoltman to initiate the technique with a jab. The strongman was next asked to lift Aspinall’s leg, as previously trained. Stoltman then hopped in with his back leg. Once this position was established, the Briton directed Stoltman to turn the corner on him and drag him to the ground. The interim champion emphasized that the demonstration would be done carefully at first to ensure Stoltman understood the intricacies and executed the maneuver correctly. Then, in the blink of an eye, he took down the giant.

He further explains to Tom Stoltman that the goal is to maintain his balance with little effort. Despite Stoltman’s strength, Tom Aspinall emphasizes the need for using light and efficient technique first, rather than relying exclusively on physical strength. He reassures the strongman that, despite his size and strength, he should focus on technique. The interim champion then proceeded to practice the technique once more at a little faster pace, cautioning Stoltman to be prepared to tumble, which he eventually did once again.

It was interesting to see in the video how the much smaller Tom Aspinall managed to take the giant down several times despite the obvious difference in size between the two. However, it can also be a warning sign for Jon Jones. After all, the Briton wants the reigning heavyweight champion to know that he has his eyes set on the title now. So, will they fight next? Not according to a former UFC fighter.

Former UFC star warns Jon Jones to avoid Tom Aspinall fight

Marc Diakiese has advised Jon Jones to retire rather than risk his legacy against rising talent Tom Aspinall. The former UFC fighter, who now competes in the Professional Fighters League, believes ‘Bones’ has cemented his spot as one of the best fighters in MMA and should retire while still on top. Jon Jones established his elite status with a stunning third-round knockout of Stipe Miocic last November, but as the Briton gains momentum, pressure is rising on the champion to fight or walk away.

He told Mirror Fighting, “For me, what Jon Jones has achieved and what he has done, I think he should just walk away. Tom Aspinall is young and fresh; he’s hungry. Jon Jones has done it all.” Marc Diakiese highlighted that Jones has already defeated some of the sport’s biggest names, like Quinton “Rampage” Jackson and Lyoto Machida. “He’s fought all the top guys you could possibly think of… He doesn’t need to prove anything; he can just retire. He’s got the heavyweight belt… leave it!” he added.

Tom Aspinall, who last defended his interim championship against Curtis Blaydes, has emerged as an enormous threat in the heavyweight class. With rumors of a future clash between the two champions, Diakiese’s words reflect the growing debate over whether Jones should defend his title against a new generation or retire before possibly getting his biggest (and technically first) defeat. What do you think? Let us know in the comments.