Tom Aspinall Dismisses Elite Label on Francis Ngannou
Whereas some nonetheless view Francis Ngannou as the most effective heavyweights on the planet, Tom Aspinall disagrees. Throughout an look on “The Helwani Present,” the interim UFC heavyweight champion defined why he doesn’t take a look at Ngannou as an elite fighter (h/t MMAJunkie).
“I’ve plenty of respect for Francis,” Aspinall stated. “I’ve plenty of respect for him, and I actually recognize his story. I actually recognize what he’s accomplished within the sport, however it’s arduous to debate proper now. The man he’s combating, he’s not elite. Have you learnt what I imply? And the blokes he’ll be combating sooner or later aren’t elite, and it’s so simple as that. These aren’t one of the best guys on the planet. The man he’s combating fought a pal of mine and a coaching companion of mine, Ante Delija (two years in the past), and Ante simply destroyed him inside a minute or two. Took him down, floor and pounded him and stopped him throughout the first minute, and now this man’s combating Francis Ngannou.
“So, the man isn’t elite, his opponent. Yeah, he’s huge. Yeah, he’s highly effective. Yeah, he might knock you out, however he’s not an elite heavyweight. I’m not disrespecting him. The elite guys usually are not within the PFL. The elite guys are within the UFC. It’s tough to say that (Ngannou) is one of the best heavyweight on the planet when he isn’t combating elite guys proper now.”
Aspinall is ready to see how issues play out between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. Jones has stated that after his UFC 309 title combat towards Miocic, he’ll doubtless retire. If Jones wins after which hangs up his gloves, Aspinall would doubtless be promoted to the undisputed titleholder at heavyweight.
