a Hall of Famer humorously predicted that the hype around Tom Aspinall would collapse at the hands of Jon Jones
It’s rare to hear a former rival of Jon Jones not only praise him but also predict his victory in a hypothetical matchup. Yet, that’s exactly what Donald ‘Cowboy’ Cerrone, a UFC Hall-of-Famer, has done. Cerrone, who once had a tumultuous relationship with Jones, has surprisingly thrown his full support behind the reigning heavyweight king, believing Jones would dismantle the hype surrounding Tom Aspinall.
Donald Cerrone’s Bold Prediction
Speaking recently with Adam Pacman Jones and Evan Rosenblum on BetOnline, Cerrone confidently picked Jon Jones to win in a potential clash with Aspinall. He didn’t hold back on his admiration, stating:
“I’ve known Jon for 10 years now, and he’s the type of guy who’ll train with the worst partners or not train at all and still go in there and perform at the highest level. It’s incredible. He definitely has ‘that’ factor. He’s the greatest to ever do it, I believe.”
Cerrone Explains Why Jones Would Dominate Aspinall
Cerrone went further, breaking down why Jones would prevail against Aspinall. He pointed out Jones’ uncanny ability to expose opponents, regardless of their reputation or skill set.
“And he’ll go in and do what he always does—make them look like, ‘What happened to all the hype?’ You know what I mean? Jon is so good at exposing and making people look like they’re not who they really are.”
This analysis aligns with Jones’ track record of neutralizing high-caliber opponents. From Daniel Cormier to Ciryl Gane, Jones has consistently proven he can adapt to any challenge, dissecting his opponents’ strengths and exploiting their weaknesses.
A Rocky Past and an Unlikely Friendship
Cerrone’s glowing endorsement of Jones marks a stark contrast to their rocky past. The two once shared a highly publicized feud, highlighted by verbal clashes and near physical altercations at Jackson Wink MMA, where they trained together.
In a 2016 episode of The Fighter and the Kid, Cerrone detailed an infamous confrontation that stemmed from Jones’ controversial behavior outside the Octagon:
“UFC cameras were there that day. I walked up to Jon and said, ‘What’s going on?’ He came at me, put on his God hat, and started working. He said, ‘Cowboy, I don’t get it. I’ve always been good to you, and you treat me like this?’ I just pointed at him and said, ‘You’re a fing piece of s**.’”**
However, much has changed since those days. Jones has publicly acknowledged his struggles outside the cage, and his relationship with Cerrone has taken a surprising turn. The two have repaired their differences and even formed a friendship, a testament to the unpredictability of relationships in combat sports.
Could Aspinall Be the One to Break Jones?
While Cerrone’s endorsement adds fuel to the hype surrounding a potential Jones vs. Aspinall showdown, the fight remains a dream scenario for now. Tom Aspinall, a rising star in the heavyweight division, has displayed incredible athleticism, speed, and technical prowess. Many believe he possesses the tools to give Jones his toughest test yet.
But as Cerrone suggests, Aspinall’s hype could be his undoing. Jones thrives in high-pressure scenarios, and his ability to outsmart and dismantle opponents could prove decisive in such a matchup. Whether Aspinall’s raw talent can match Jones’ experience and fight IQ remains a question only the Octagon can answer.
Conclusion
Donald Cerrone’s light-hearted yet bold prediction that Jon Jones would “expose” Tom Aspinall adds an intriguing layer to the conversation surrounding this hypothetical clash. Cerrone’s newfound respect for Jones underscores how time and shared experiences can heal even the most fractured relationships.
As fans continue to debate the potential outcome of this dream matchup, one thing is certain: if Jones and Aspinall ever meet in the Octagon, it will be one of the most anticipated fights in MMA history. Until then, the speculation—and the hype—only grows.
