Jon Jones Critiques Aspinall’s Skills After UFC 321 No-Contest

UPDATE: Former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has sharply criticized Tom Aspinall, labeling him a “one-trick pony” following Aspinall’s recent title fight against Ciryl Gane. The bout, held on October 25, 2023, ended in a no-contest after an accidental eye poke rendered Aspinall unable to continue just 4 minutes and 35 seconds into the first round.

Jones voiced his doubts about Aspinall’s abilities during a recent appearance on the NoScripts Podcast, claiming that while Aspinall is a talented athlete, his wrestling and jiu-jitsu skills are “incredibly overrated.” He emphasized that he was far more impressed with Gane, who previously submitted Jones to claim the heavyweight title in March 2023.

“Tom’s a great athlete, but I do feel like he’s a one-trick pony,” Jones stated. He noted that Aspinall’s striking patterns were predictable and that he lacked the ability to effectively challenge Gane during their brief encounter. “He couldn’t touch Ciryl Gane at all. Gane was just getting warmed up,” Jones added, citing Gane’s comfort and control in the fight.

The implications of this matchup extend beyond mere rivalry. UFC CEO Dana White has indicated plans to rebook the championship fight between Aspinall and Gane, a prospect that remains uncertain as Aspinall is still recovering from the eye poke. Reports from Aspinall’s father and head coach confirm that the fighter has not regained full vision in either eye, with the right eye being particularly affected.

Jones, who holds a career record of 28 wins and 1 loss, had been linked to a potential title unification bout against Aspinall in early 2025. However, he announced his retirement from mixed martial arts in June 2023 but has since hinted at a comeback, expressing interest in fighting current light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira at an upcoming UFC event planned at the White House next year. Notably, Jones has not indicated any desire to face Aspinall.

As UFC fans anticipate the rebooking of the Aspinall vs. Gane championship match, the focus will now shift to Aspinall’s recovery and future prospects. With his vision still compromised, fans are left wondering how this will affect his next steps in the octagon.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as the UFC landscape may shift dramatically in the coming weeks.