Curtis Blaydes describes how Tom Aspinall knocked out UFC champion Jon Jones
Curtis Blaydes has made a bold claim, asserting that Tom Aspinall is the fighter who will be the first to knock out UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones. With Dana White confirming that the title unification bout between Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) and Jon Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC) will take place in 2025, the anticipation for this showdown is growing.
Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion, has been on a tear, taking out contenders quickly on his rise to the top. His most recent victory was a stunning knockout of Curtis Blaydes in just under a minute at UFC 304, a performance that further solidified his place in the title picture. Blaydes, however, believes that Aspinall has what it takes to defeat Jones as well.
Blaydes’ Confidence in Aspinall’s Ability to Beat Jones
During an interview with Sportskeeda, Curtis Blaydes made it clear that he believes Aspinall has the skills to take down Jon Jones in a similar fashion. “I would pick him [Aspinall],” Blaydes said. “Like, I would pick him 55 percent. Obviously, it wouldn’t be a dominant win. We’re talking about Jon Jones here. He’s a legend. He’s got all the tools.” Blaydes, who has faced both fighters, continued to explain why he feels Aspinall has the edge.
According to Blaydes, one area where Aspinall has a potential advantage over Jones is in his ability to close the distance. Jones is known for his long reach and ability to pick apart opponents from the outside with jabs, teeps, and kicks. However, Blaydes believes that Aspinall will be able to cut through Jones’ range and land significant strikes.
Aspinall’s Aggressive Style Could Be Key Against Jones
Blaydes highlighted Aspinall’s aggressive and fast-paced fighting style as a key factor in his ability to beat Jones. “I think he’ll come in with that fast pace, aggressive style, and that will be the difference,” Blaydes explained. “I think in one of those blitzes, he’s going to catch him. It just takes one shot, and Tom’s got the speed.”
While Jones has an undeniable reach advantage, Blaydes believes Aspinall will be able to close the gap and land powerful shots, particularly with his overhand strikes. Aspinall’s ability to mix in fast, aggressive bursts of offense is something that Blaydes believes will give Jones trouble. “He won’t let Jon control the range like that. I think Tom will get inside and land that big shot, probably early because he doesn’t like to wait around.”
Jones Faces New Challenges Ahead
Despite Jon Jones being the current champion and widely regarded as one of the best in UFC history, Blaydes sees significant challenges for him in facing a fighter like Aspinall. Jones recently defended his title with a TKO win over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 but has hinted that he needs significant financial incentives to consider facing Aspinall.
The fight between Aspinall and Jones is expected to be one of the most highly anticipated matchups in UFC history, and Blaydes’ prediction adds even more intrigue to the equation. Aspinall’s fast, aggressive style combined with his technical precision makes him a serious threat to the reigning champion.
As UFC fans eagerly await the fight to be finalized, it’s clear that the clash between Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones will be one of the biggest tests of Jones’ legendary career. Whether Aspinall’s speed and aggression will be enough to overcome Jones’ experience and dominance inside the Octagon remains to be seen, but Blaydes’ comments show just how highly Aspinall is regarded as a potential future champion.
