UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has given his official predictions for the Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic UFC 309 clash. ‘Bones’, the ‘undisputed’ heavyweight champ, of course, is set to face the former champ in what will probably be the duo’s swansong. And Aspinall, the backup fighter for that fight, thinks Jones holds the edge. Why? Well, he explained in depth to Ariel Helwani on the latter’s YouTube show.

The interim champ had a pretty similar take to most other analysts and fans. He gave Jones the edge against Miocic owing to the latter’s advanced age, recent form, and three years of inactivity. But being a true MMA fan, Aspinall did admit that anything can happen, especially when it comes to heavyweights, who can end fights with one good shot.

“Jon and Stipe? I would say, I would edge towards Jon, of course. Just because he is younger and a little bit fresher than Stipe. Stipe, let’s be honest, we don’t really know what’s up. He’s definitely is like the best heavyweight of all time, but he’s also 42 years old. But you know, his last fight he got knocked out which was like three or four years ago now,” he said.

“We have no idea what he’s gonna look like. I have no idea. Whereas Jon, even though he’s been pretty inactive, he has fought recently. And he looked pretty good in the fight. So I would give the edge to Jon. But it is heavyweight! You absolutely never know and that’s why this sport is so damn exciting. I would say probably 60-40 to be honest,” Aspinall added.

To be fair, Aspinall did give Miocic a better chance than most other people, who have written off the former champion entirely. Especially because he is facing arguably the greatest mixed martial artist of all time in the form of Jones. But, form is temporary and class is permanent as they say. And Miocic is all class. One doesn’t become the UFC’s heavyweight GOAT without it. But Aspinall will most likely never get to face either GOAT contender.

Why Tom Aspinall will probably never fight Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic

Whoever wins Jones-Miocic, one thing is clear- Tom Aspinall is next in line. Not only is the Englishman the interim heavyweight champ but has also been confirmed by Dana White as next in a unification bout against the winner of the UFC 309 main event.

But since Jones and Miocic are both widely expected to retire after their upcoming clash, Aspinall may well get promoted to undisputed status in that case. This may not be what Aspinall wants, but is the most likely scenario. After all, many feel that Jones is a bit afraid to fight Aspinall since it poses the risk of ruining a legacy built over the last 15 years.

‘Bones’ has a very tough matchup against Aspinall. Not only is the Englishman lethal on his feet but has an exceptional ground game to go with it. In addition, he is a natural heavyweight, unlike Jones who moved up from 205lbs. And Jones, according to critics, is unwilling to risk his essentially unbeaten status (except for a DQ loss over a decade ago) by fighting the young and hungry Aspinall.

Miocic, on the other hand, maybe more open to facing Aspinall. But first, he will have to beat Jones, which seems, at least on paper, to be a very uphill task for him. What are your thoughts on Aspinall’s predictions for Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic?