Jones Backs Blaydes To Beat Aspinall – ‘Tom Is Drinking Kool-Aid’
Jon Jones, the UFC heavyweight Champion, doubts Tom Aspinall’s ability to beat Curtis Blaydes.
Aspinall will face Blaydes at UFC 304 on July 27 in Manchester, England. It will be a rerun of their 2021 clash. That is when Blaydes beat Aspinall after the Brit retired in the first round with a knee injury. Aspinall has been chasing the Jones fight. However, Bones is currently out injured as he prepares for his return.
He was on course to face Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 only to pull out with a pectoral muscle injury. He leaked his return, stating that he would fight in November. While the UFC has not confirmed that, he will likely face Miocic. That has left Aspinall looking elsewhere. The Brit stated Ciryl Gane turned down the chance to fight before he took the Blaydes rematch. Jones has questioned whether Aspinall will get through that fight in a battle of mind games.
Jones On Aspinall
“I wouldn’t be surprised if Curtis won, i’ve seen scenarios like this time and time again. Dude prematurely drinking his own Kool-Aid ends up with a huge piece of humble pie. I mean If Sergei can touch Tom that easy, I’m sure Curtis can too. When Curtis decides to go, he’s a lot faster than people realize, and he hits hard.
“A few well timed shots and that strong top game, it could be a long night for old Tommy boy. Either way, I’ll be watching, excited to have some additional footage. Sure, if I’m being completely honest, I always root for the Americans.. especially American wrestlers.. at the end of the day no matter who wins, Curtis is no walk in the park either. The only lane I’ve ever known, the fast one. I know no other speed. Can’t remember the last time I wasn’t at the big boy table,” Jones stated
Jones’ Mindset
A Blaydes win can only benefit Jones. He is under increasing pressure to face Aspinall, the interim champion. Tom has consecutive first-round KO wins over Marcin Tybura and Sergei Pavlovich. He is fighting all the names other than Jones. However, Bones’ focus appears elsewhere. Even if he does beat Miocic, he has spoken about wanting to face Alex Pereira.
The Brazilian is the UFC Light Heavyweight Champion, coming off a first-round KO win over Jamahal Hill at UFC 300. Jones felt Alex was a bigger name globally, making it a more appealing fight. That played into the narrative that Jones was ducking Aspinall. If Bones does not want to face Tom, he can only hope Aspinall loses.
“There’s absolutely no fight that generates a payday like that. Marketing would be insane. Tom only matters in the U.K., newsflash. Pereira is one of the most polarizing figures this sport has seen. Tom’s a contender who won a belt against another contender. We had to save Madison Square Garden’s main event. I’m thinking dollar signs, legacy, big picture here. Not what U.K. fans are dying to see,” Jones stated
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