Former light heavyweight champion thinks Jon Jones would beat Tom Aspinall

Heavyweight champion Jon Jones is expected to defend his title for the first time against former two-time titleholder Stipe Miocic in November at Madison Square Garden in New York City.  Interim champion Tom Aspinall doesn’t understand why the two are even fighting.  

Aspinall has ramped up his efforts to face Jones in a title unification bout.  He’s done several recent interviews calling for Miocic to be removed and he be placed in.  Aspinall’s efforts have drawn a response from Jones and sometimes a vulgar one.  

Aspinall is the backup fighter for the expected UFC 309 title fight between Jones and Miocic.  He says that he’ll be ready and willing to step in on an hour’s notice if need be.  If Aspinall and Jones does come to fruition, former light heavyweight champion Quinton “Rampage” Jackson believes Jones would emerge the winner.  

“Jon Jones is the GOAT in my book.  He’s one of the best,” Jackson told Inside Fighting.  “I recently saw Aspinall fight for the first time recently, and he’s a great fighter.  And he’s a great champion, but I think it would be tough for me to ever say that anybody would beat Jon Jones until it happens.”

Jones won the heavyweight title by defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. His first title defense was scheduled to UFC 295 last November but Jones was forced out of the fight after tearing a pectoral tendon in training. The fight promotion opted to hold an interim title fight in Jones’ absence between Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich. Aspinall won by knockout in 69 seconds.  Aspinall defended his interim championship by knocking out Curtis Blaydes in 60 seconds at UFC 304 last month.