What's Happening?
Former UFC champion Jon Jones has expressed critical views on Tom Aspinall's performance following the UFC 321 main event in Abu Dhabi. The fight between Aspinall and Ciryl Gane ended prematurely due to
an accidental eye poke by Gane, resulting in a no-contest. Despite the lack of a definitive outcome, Jones shared his opinion on Aspinall's abilities during an episode of the No Scripts podcast. He described Aspinall as a 'one-trick pony,' suggesting that his wrestling and jiu-jitsu skills are overrated. Jones noted that Gane seemed to be gaining momentum before the fight was halted. The comments add to the existing tension between Jones and Aspinall, who have had a contentious relationship in the past.
Why It's Important?
Jones' remarks could influence perceptions of Aspinall's capabilities within the MMA community, potentially affecting his reputation and future matchups. Aspinall, who has been a rising star in the heavyweight division, may face increased scrutiny and pressure to prove his skills in subsequent fights. The UFC's decision to likely schedule a rematch between Aspinall and Gane could provide an opportunity for Aspinall to address these criticisms and demonstrate his grappling prowess. The ongoing rivalry between Jones and Aspinall also adds an intriguing narrative to the heavyweight division, potentially drawing more attention and viewership to future events involving these fighters.
What's Next?
A rematch between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane is anticipated, as indicated by UFC President Dana White. This rematch will be closely watched to see if Aspinall can deliver a more comprehensive performance and counter the criticisms levied by Jones. The outcome of this fight could significantly impact the heavyweight rankings and future title contention. Additionally, Jones' comments may continue to fuel the rivalry, possibly leading to a future bout between him and Aspinall, should Jones decide to return to competition.
