Jon Jones: Miocic Got What It Takes to Take Him Down

Jon Jones, the reigning king of the UFC’s light heavyweight division, has made a seamless transition to the heavyweight division, and fans are eagerly speculating who might actually dethrone him. Enter Stipe Miocic and Tom Aspinall, two heavyweights with the potential to challenge Jones‘ dominance. But who poses the real threat to the former champion? Let’s break it down.

Stipe Miocic: The Veteran of the Division

Stipe Miocic, a former two-time UFC heavyweight champion, is widely considered the greatest heavyweight of all time. His resume speaks for itself: a solid knockout game, wrestling background, and incredible endurance that has carried him through wars with the likes of Daniel Cormier and Francis Ngannou. Miocic’s ability to weather storms and adjust mid-fight is second to none. But here’s the catch: age. Miocic is 41, and while he’s in phenomenal shape, he hasn’t fought since 2021, raising questions about his current form.

Jones has always been a master of mixing his skills—striking, grappling, and fighting IQ. In a showdown with Miocic, the experience of the Croatian-American could give him an edge, but Jones’ versatility could easily exploit any of Miocic’s weaknesses. Miocic’s knockout power and wrestling game are elite, but Jones’ ability to adapt on the fly is his greatest weapon.

Tom Aspinall: The Rising Star

On the other hand, Tom Aspinall is the up-and-coming heavyweight that has taken the division by storm. With an impressive mix of speed, agility, and a stellar grappling game, Aspinall has quickly climbed the ranks. His knockout power is undeniable, and his movement for a heavyweight is practically dance-like. At 31, Aspinall is in the prime of his career, and unlike Miocic, he’s not dealing with the wear and tear of a decade in the cage.

The real question here is whether Aspinall can handle the pressure of facing a fighter like Jones. While Aspinall’s potential is sky-high, Jones’ ability to control a fight, especially with his wrestling, might make it hard for the Brit to impose his striking game. Still, the youth and hunger of Aspinall make him a more unpredictable threat.

Who’s the real threat to Jon Jones?

Both Miocic and Aspinall bring something unique to the table. Miocic’s experience and all-around skill set are hard to dismiss, but his age and layoff raise concerns about his ability to handle Jones‘ unorthodox style. Aspinall, on the other hand, has youth, explosiveness, and the skillset to make this fight interesting. However, his lack of experience in five-round wars against top-tier competition might be his Achilles’ heel.

Ultimately, Jones is a rare talent whose ability to adjust mid-fight and his fight IQ make him a nightmare for anyone in the division. While Miocic may have the experience and grit to push Jones to his limits, it’s Aspinall’s raw potential and hunger for greatness that could pose the bigger challenge in the long run.

So, while Miocic might make for the bigger name and a more tested opponent, don’t sleep on Aspinall. If he continues to evolve, he might just be the one to dethrone Jones. But for now, the throne remains securely in Jones’ grasp.