Jon Jones would be the undisputed GOAT, however he’s actually not the perfect heavyweight on this planet.
right this moment’s heavyweight panorama, three names plain stand out above the remainder — Tom Aspinall, Francis Ngannou, and Jones. Which one truly tops the checklist will range relying on who you’re speaking to at any given time, however former UFC fighter Dan Hardy thinks that it doesn’t matter what, ‘Bones’ is probably going on the backside.
In fact, the present Head of PFL Europe means no disrespect towards the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. He simply can’t see Jones matching the pace of Aspinall or the ability of ‘The Predator.’
“I believe Jon Jones is the pound-for-pound greatest,” Hardy defined when chatting with MMA Preventing. “I believe he’s the perfect illustration of combined martial arts usually that we’ve ever seen. I believe he’s nonetheless evolving, which is terrifying. However is he the perfect present heavyweight on the planet? I don’t assume so.
“I believe the winner of Aspinall versus Ngannou can be the reply … no disrespect in any option to Jon. Present heavyweight champion however not the present greatest heavyweight on the planet. Definitely not.”
Hardy commends jon jones expertise and unmatched struggle IQ
Hardy nevertheless does acknowledge that in relation to expertise and struggle IQ, there’s no one higher than Jon Jones. Sadly, these two issues don’t at all times win the day when matched in opposition to a heavyweight that strikes like a light-weight or an African powerhouse who hits like a runaway freight prepare.
“The creativity of Jon Jones and the knowledge, the struggle IQ, that reigns supreme,” Hardy mentioned. “I simply surprise if he’s obtained that means within the heavyweight division with somebody as quick as Tom Aspinall and somebody as highly effective as Francis Ngannou. There have been instances when Stipe [Miocic] landed [on Jones at UFC 309] and I believe if Ngannou lands these pictures, Jon Jones doesn’t get again up.
“I additionally assume the pace of Tom Aspinall would permit him to land punches in opposition to Jon Jones and Ngannou that each of these guys wouldn’t see coming and wouldn’t be capable of cease. The query is would he be capable of try this sort of harm to knock them out. I don’t know. I’ve seen Francis take some huge pictures. I do know clearly he obtained knocked out by Anthony Joshua however on the similar time, you’re speaking of an elite degree boxer who’s an unimaginable athlete on the similar time. I imply, it’s simply so tough to select one.”
Whereas seeing Ngannou tackle both Jones or Aspinall feels fairly unlikely at this level, a title unification conflict between Jones and Aspinall appears nearly assured after greater than a 12 months of uncertainty on Jones’ half.
Following his spectacular displaying in opposition to Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, ‘Bones’ left the door open for a return and sounded keen to signal on the dotted line for no matter struggle Dana White and Co. desires to e-book subsequent — as long as the promotion comes appropriate with their provide.
