“A trained bodyguard vs. MMA fighter!” Who would win? It’s one of those kinds of questions that still lack a definitive answer but is surely tested to spark a debate. When the UFC made its mark, it elevated MMA to the forefront of combat sports, intensifying discussions about its superiority. Joe Rogan’s remarks on The Conan O’Brien Show from 1998 echo this debate when critics and senators widely condemned the sport then, labeling it “human cockfighting.” Rogan, in his defense of MMA, explained, “They’re great athletes—Olympic gold medalists, world jiu-jitsu champions, and boxers. It’s all just a combination.”

Fast forward to today, and the debate has reignited, largely due to a viral moment involving Andrew Tate’s younger brother, Tristan Tate. The discussion stemmed from a video shared on X where Russian President Vladimir Putin’s bodyguard and Chinese President Xi Jinping’s bodyguard were seen acknowledging each other.

When a user asked Tristan whether UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall could defeat the bodyguards, Tate rejected the notion. He stated, “With respect to Aspinall, I wouldn’t bet on that. These guys won’t strike or go for submissions. Throat/Groin/Eyes. They’re trained killers, not trained fighters. You think they train less than him? You think they aren’t constantly drilling and perfecting kill techniques? No. These are not the overweight nightclub heavies that ‘bodyguard celebrities.’ They are an entirely different class of human.” Is Tate right?

Looking at the history of world leader bodyguards compared to MMA fighters, it’s clear that the challenges faced by bodyguards are much more intense. Many of these men come from military or law enforcement backgrounds, with training focused on real-world combat and survival in high-risk, high-stakes environments. Their role, which can directly impact national security, requires a constant readiness for extreme situations.

On the other hand, MMA fighters like Tom Aspinall train in controlled settings with the primary goal of defeating an opponent within the confines of a sport. They prepare for individual matches, training intensively, but often taking breaks between fights. Their focus is on personal achievement and titles, rather than the constant vigilance required of a bodyguard.

However, MMA fighters are still constrained by the rules of the sport. This in turn prevents them from fully unleashing their lethal potential. It’s unclear whether Tom Aspinall would ever want to fight a bodyguard, but for now, he is firmly focused on Jon Jones.

Tom Aspinall hints at Jon Jones fight after Alex Pereira’s UFC 313 loss

At UFC 313, Alex Pereira’s aspirations of moving up to the heavyweight division to challenge Jon Jones were abruptly halted. The Brazilian’s path was blocked by Russian powerhouse Magomed Ankalaev, who outpaced and outstruck Pereira in a five-round battle. Pereira’s kickboxing background seemed ineffective against Ankalaev’s fluid style. Moreover, many observers felt that Pereira appeared lazy compared to his previous performances.

In the end, Pereira not only lost the fight but also his light heavyweight title. This defeat shattered any hopes of a potential heavyweight showdown with Jon Jones, who is renowned for his wrestling and physical dominance. Had the Brazilian won, a fight with Jones at heavyweight seemed like a real possibility. However, following his loss, those dreams evaporated.

In the aftermath of the event, interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall quickly took to YouTube to share his thoughts on the situation. With his path to facing Jon Jones now looking clearer, the Brit spoke directly about the fallout from Pereira’s loss. He said, “(Jones vs. Pereira is) off the table now. The Alex Pereira fight at heavyweight or any other weight, really – I mean, I guess he could still fight him at light heavyweight. But it won’t be for a title. Yeah – Jon: There’s only one thing to do, mate. Sign the contract and let’s get a date going.”

What are your thoughts on Tristan Tate’s comments regarding Tom Aspinall? Do you believe an MMA fighter could take on the bodyguards of world leaders? Could any MMA fighter defeat the bodyguards of Vladimir Putin or Xi Jinping? Consider Sean Strickland’s experience sparring with Navy SEAL Mitch Aguiar, where he came out on top. Share your opinion below.