Because the UFC schedule will get underway in 2025, maybe the largest ‘what if’ surrounding the game stays whether or not or not Jon Jones really unifies the heavyweight titles in a battle towards Tom Aspinall.
Jones vs. Aspinall is arguably essentially the most anticipated battle of the 12 months with UFC CEO Dana White going so far as saying he ensures the bout occurs over the subsequent 12 months. Whereas Aspinall definitely deserves the chance at turning into undisputed heavyweight champion, Jones has repeatedly shrugged off his problem and extra not too long ago taken purpose at a possible superfight towards Alex Pereira as an alternative.
In actual fact, Jones has gone so far as saying he would vacate his UFC title for the prospect to face off with any person like Pereira, who has develop into of the largest stars on the complete roster after claiming titles throughout two divisions in simply seven whole fights within the promotion. However former gentle heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz believes that Jones’ motivation to hunt out Pereira doesn’t come right down to cash or legacy however quite avoiding a possible catastrophe going up towards the heavyweight boogeyman in Aspinall.
“I feel [Jon Jones] does this as a result of Alex Pereira is now a giant star within the UFC,” Blachowicz advised MMA Preventing. “Everyone is aware of him. He is aware of what he’s doing. However I consider he ought to battle towards Aspinall, however I feel he’s just a little bit afraid of him.
“As a result of Aspinall is somebody who can actually cease him and beat him. I feel he believes if he can battle towards 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 how one can beat Pereira when he practically 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 cut up resolution when he confronted Pereira in his gentle heavyweight debut whereas using a grappling heavy technique that negated lots of the former GLORY Kickboxing champion’s finest and most harmful weapons.
As environment friendly as Blachowicz has been together with his wrestling and takedowns, Jones is presumably one of the vital deadly floor technicians to ever compete in MMA and that’s a transparent and current hazard to any person like Pereira.
In the meantime, Aspinall is a legit heavyweight with knockout energy in each palms and a world-class submission arsenal at his disposal. On his option to an 8-1 document 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 might 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 speak an excessive amount of about Aspinall. However we are going to see. Possibly they’ve received some plans for them. Possibly they’re ready, cash will likely be larger they usually 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 searching for 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 surprise if Jones is searching for one remaining payday towards a beatable opponent earlier than then using off into the sundown for the ultimate time.
“Possibly he wish to battle towards Pereira, don’t lose and possibly end his profession,” Blachowicz stated. “You’d need to ask him not me.”
