Tom Aspinall has proven his merit inside the Octagon by claiming the interim heavyweight title while undisputed king Jon Jones was away from the cage. This has left fans eager to see a unification bout. However, Jones has yet to confirm whether he’s willing to face the surging Brit. Amidst the speculation, many believe the Englishman could present a real challenge. The key question is whether Jones possesses the tools to exploit Aspinall’s weaknesses. According to one of the greatest heavyweights in UFC history, Cain Velasquez, the answer is clear.

Velasquez, a former two-time heavyweight kingpin, is no stranger to the strategies and skills needed at the highest level. While Jones’ career has been marred by legal issues and various shenanigans, his meticulous preparation and fight IQ remain unparalleled. Velasquez echoed this sentiment while speaking with Ariel Helwani, commending Jones for his preparation:

“Um, so me just watching him, I kind of saw his pattern a little bit—in striking, the way he comes in and strikes. I think Jon sees it too. Jon, he studies, man. He does his homework, you know? Jon is a master at this. He analyzes things, he studies over and over again. I think just for that reason, he’s going to know what to do. So I don’t think [Aspinall] beats Jon, no.”

When Helwani pressed further on the subject, Velasquez gave a knowing smile and hinted at the strategy ‘Bones’ might use to secure victory over Aspinall. Velasquez explained, “So everybody has a pattern, right? Everybody has a fight pattern. Some people disguise it better than others. The simple fact is the way that Tom—the way he comes in and fights—has a pattern that is easier to define. When he comes in, he strikes. And I think you know what I’m talking about.”

Velasquez’s observation underscores an essential aspect of Jones’ fighting style: his ability to analyze and exploit predictable patterns in his opponents. ‘Bones’ is known for using a variety of feints, fakes, and unorthodox setups to keep his rivals guessing before landing devastating attacks. While Aspinall has undoubtedly studied Jones’ unique approach, the question remains: is that preparation enough to overcome Jones’ unrivaled fight IQ and adaptability?

Michael Bisping changes tune on his choice for Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall

Michael Bisping initially believed that Tom Aspinall had all the tools to defeat Jon Jones. However, his stance shifted dramatically after witnessing Jones’ performance against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. Even after a long hiatus and dealing with injuries, Jones showcased the same lethal precision and dominance that made him one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. Bisping shared his revised thoughts on his YouTube channel, offering a candid take on the potential clash.

“I said afterward on the post-fight [UFC 309] show that he would smoke Jon Jones. That Jon Jones couldn’t hold a candle to him—or a torch, whatever the expression is. And I still think Aspinall wins. I do. But when I saw Jones against Stipe, I was like, hold on a minute, maybe it will be a little bit different. Maybe, you know, he will give Tom a tougher fight than I thought. And to be honest, that’s not a wild statement.”

The issue surrounding this dream fight is that Jon Jones appears to have different priorities. Reports suggest Jones is eyeing a super fight against Alex Pereira, aiming to solidify his legacy further. However, if the UFC manages to coax him into facing the Englishman, it would take around $30 million as suggested by Joe Rogan.

So, who do you think would emerge victorious in this epic clash? Would Jon Jones’ unparalleled fight IQ and experience prevail, or could Tom Aspinall’s dynamic skill set and momentum bring an end to Jones’ dominance? Share your thoughts below!