Tom Aspinall Makes a Surprising Claim Watching Jon Jones Live at UFC 309

Just as in his years of physical prime, Jon Jones secured a spectacular knockout in his first title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. In the main event from a packed Madison Square Garden, Jones made history by becoming one of four fighters to defend a belt in two UFC divisions by finishing the fight in the very third round.

‘Bones’, who had a sweeping first round with ground and pound, softened Miocic’s abdominal area with front kicks throughout the match. Miocic, who posed no threat to the champion, ended up succumbing to a powerful and surprising roundhouse kick that left him on the ground. Interim champion Tom Aspinall was in the front row, watching his possible next opponent win the fight. And after the match, he made the major claim that it was his first time watching ‘Bones’ fight live.

This was something that was picked up by fight podcaster Mac Mally as he reported Tom Aspinall revealing why Jon Jones doesn’t want to fight the Englishman. Since Aspinall had never seen ‘Bones’ fight live, and it has always been through TV, the Briton never saw the true quick movements and hitting power of the UFC heavyweight champion live. And it is through watching it live that you actually get a good reading on your opponents. Here’s what Mac Mally posted on X (formerly Twitter) – “Tom Aspinall just said he’s never even seen Jon Jones fight before besides on TV. That’s the point. He’s a flash in the pan as of now against Jon’s legacy. Absolutely nothing against Tom, that’s the fight to make if ANY and I think he has the tools to maybe win. But that’s been Jon Jones’ whole point.”

Tom Aspinall just said he’s never even seen Jon Jones fight before besides on TV. That’s the point. He’s a flash in the pan as of now against Jon’s legacy. Absolutely nothing against Tom, that’s the fight to make if ANY and I think he has the tools to maybe win. But that’s been…

— MacMally (@MacMallyMMA) November 17, 2024

While Jon Jones earlier stated that he would be retiring after his fight against Stipe Miocic, he told Joe Rogan in a post-fight interview that he no longer wishes to retire. In fact, he wants to give fans a fight they have been wanting. This can be a hint towards a fight against Tom Aspinall since Jones has been facing accusations of ‘ducking’ a title unification fight against the Briton. So this experience of watching ‘Bones’ fight live should truly give Aspinall quick notes.

How Jon Jones annihilated Stipe Miocic at UFC 309

Jones was coming off his heavyweight debut with a quick one-round submission over Ciryl Gane in the main event of UFC 295. But since he had been away from the Octagon for a long time, just like Stipe Miocic, fans expected some ring rust. Although Miocic’s first intention was to go out and apply pressure, shorten the spaces inside the cage, and look for the kill shot, Jones secured a fundamental takedown that allowed him to have a lot of top-control time and punish the Croatian-American repeatedly with very dangerous elbows.

However, the second round was much slower. Miocic was looking to get closer with his boxing, but the champion had no intention of getting into the trade, so he kept the fight at a distance to ensure he won another round. It was only in the third round that the most accurate shots came, and a good 1-2 left Stipe reeling. The champion began to feel more and more comfortable.

And when it seemed that the fight was going to have at least one more round, ‘Bones’ hit a brutal roundhouse kick to the ribs that left Miocic breathless as he fell to his knees on the canvas. Jon pounced on him, but referee Herb Dean immediately stopped the match to call the fight in Jones’ favor. Watching this performance up close surely would’ve caused some concerns for Aspinall. By dominating one of the greatest heavyweights in UFC history, Jon Jones proved to Aspinall why he is considered the GOAT by many fans. What did you think of the fight? Do you believe Tom Aspinall will be able to go toe-to-toe against ‘Bones’? Let us know in the comments.

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