Because the UFC schedule will get underway in 2025, maybe the most important ‘what if’ surrounding the game stays whether or not or not Jon Jones really unifies the heavyweight titles in a battle in opposition to Tom Aspinall.
Jones vs. Aspinall is arguably essentially the most anticipated battle of the yr with UFC CEO Dana White going so far as saying he ensures the bout occurs over the following 12 months. Whereas Aspinall actually deserves the chance at changing into undisputed heavyweight champion, Jones has repeatedly shrugged off his problem and extra just lately taken goal at a possible superfight in opposition to Alex Pereira as an alternative.
In truth, Jones has gone so far as saying he would vacate his UFC title for the prospect to face off with any individual like Pereira, who has develop into of the most important stars on the complete roster after claiming titles throughout two divisions in simply seven whole fights within the promotion. However former mild heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz believes that Jones’ motivation to hunt out Pereira doesn’t come all the way down to cash or legacy however quite avoiding a possible catastrophe going up in opposition to the heavyweight boogeyman in Aspinall.
“I believe [Jon Jones] does this as a result of Alex Pereira is now a giant star within the UFC,” Blachowicz instructed MMA Combating. “Everyone is aware of him. He is aware of what he’s doing. However I consider he ought to battle in opposition to Aspinall, however I believe he’s somewhat bit afraid of him.
“As a result of Aspinall is somebody who can actually cease him and beat him. I believe he believes if he can battle in opposition to Pereira, he can take him down, management him, possibly one thing like this. With Aspinall, it is going to be not really easy.”
In some ways, Blachowicz confirmed off the blueprint on find out how to beat Pereira when he almost stopped the Brazilian’s rise to the highest of the 205-pound division earlier than it ever received began.
Blachowicz battled to a razor-close break up resolution when he confronted Pereira in his mild heavyweight debut whereas using a grappling heavy technique that negated most of the former GLORY Kickboxing champion’s finest and most harmful weapons.
As environment friendly as Blachowicz has been along with his wrestling and takedowns, Jones is presumably one of the crucial deadly floor technicians to ever compete in MMA and that’s a transparent and current hazard to any individual like Pereira.
In the meantime, Aspinall is a legit heavyweight with knockout energy in each arms and a world-class submission arsenal at his disposal. On his technique to an 8-1 file within the UFC — with the one loss coming after blowing out his knee simply seconds right into a battle — Aspinall has demolished seven of his opponents within the first spherical and taking out the eighth within the second spherical.
“It will be a really powerful battle for Jon Jones with Aspinall,” Blachowicz stated. “That’s why, he is aware of what’s going to occur, that’s why he doesn’t discuss an excessive amount of about Aspinall. However we’ll see. Possibly they’ve received some plans for them. Possibly they’re ready, cash might be larger and so they take the battle.”
Clearly, Blachowicz can’t predict the longer term however he’s received a vested curiosity in what occurs to Pereira as a result of he’s been in search of out that rematch after since their first battle ended.
It stays to be seen what really occurs in 2025 however Blachowicz can’t assist however marvel if Jones is in search of one remaining payday in opposition to a beatable opponent earlier than then driving off into the sundown for the ultimate time.
“Possibly he wish to battle in opposition to Pereira, don’t lose and possibly end his profession,” Blachowicz stated. “You’d must ask him not me.”
