Henry Cejudo, the former two-division UFC champion, recently expressed his support for Jon Jones in a prospective clash against Tom Aspinall, should they ever face off in a heavyweight title bout. This potential match has generated considerable excitement in the MMA community, especially since there have been increasing calls for a showdown between the current heavyweight champion and the rising English star. Aspinall, who has shown an unyielding desire to fight Jones, sat ringside as a back-up fighter during Jones’ title defense against Stipe Miocic, which took place in November 2023.
Cejudo’s analysis of a potential bout between Jones and Aspinall suggests that the experienced champion would have a decisive advantage. He articulated that Jones possesses the intelligence and tactical acumen necessary to navigate the fight effectively. Cejudo noted that Jones merely needs to press the action and maintain control in the center of the octagon while strategically utilizing his wrestling skills. “I think it will be easy money [for Jones],” Cejudo remarked, indicating his confidence in Jones’ ability to thwart Aspinall’s efforts in a hypothetical match.
Tom Aspinall has not been shy about his aspirations to challenge for the undisputed heavyweight title. His ambition matches the increasing buzz surrounding a potential encounter with Jones. The enthusiasm for this bout was echoed by UFC president Dana White, who hinted that this matchup could be labeled as “the biggest heavyweight fight ever” and “the biggest fight we’ve ever done.” Aspinall acknowledged White’s sentiments, relaying a conversation he had with the UFC president where White confirmed his belief that the bout was impending, stating simply, “It’s happening”.
While details surrounding the matchup remain somewhat murky, Aspinall made it clear that the prospect of facing Jones is more significant than just financial gain. “I don’t really care about money…what I care about is unifying the belts,” he emphasized. The notion of unifying the heavyweight division was a priority for Aspinall, who has established himself as the interim heavyweight champion following his impressive victory against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295, achieved on short notice.
Nevertheless, there seems to be a degree of uncertainty about whether Jon Jones is fully on board with the fight. Aspinall suggested that while the bout is being discussed, nothing has yet been finalized, leaving the situation open-ended and ripe for speculation within the MMA community. The anticipation for this potential clash continues to build, especially given Jones’ storied career and Aspinall’s rapid ascent in the heavyweight rankings.
In his interviews, Aspinall also hinted at some personal sentiments regarding Cejudo’s comments and his feelings towards his fellow competitors. He mentioned that it’s not just the fight itself or the potential threats posed by his opponents that concern him; rather, it’s a personal impression he holds about some fighters in the division. Aspinall explicitly stated, “I just don’t like Tom. I find him annoying and I stick by that.” Such comments reveal that the rivalries and personal dynamics often play a significant role in the sport, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
As it stands, all eyes are on the UFC brass, as they consider the implications of such an epic showdown. Many fans and analysts agree that a fight between Jones and Aspinall would mark an extraordinary moment in UFC history, and its eventual realization is eagerly awaited. While Julius Jones and Aspinall may have their individual paths, a collision in the octagon would undoubtedly have massive ramifications for both fighters and the heavyweight division as a whole. Until then, fans will continue to speculate and fervently discuss the potential for what could be one of the landmark events in the world of mixed martial arts.
