MMA followers are abuzz with anticipation for what guarantees to be the blockbuster struggle of 2025: Jon Jones versus Tom Aspinall. The matchup between the reigning heavyweight champion and the interim titleholder has everybody on the sting of their seats, eagerly awaiting what could possibly be probably the most vital clashes in UFC historical past.
Though Jones had hinted at retirement a number of instances prior to now few months, his victory in opposition to Stipe Miocic reignited his aggressive fireplace, main him to declare that his profession was removed from over. Even UFC CEO Dana White has thrown his weight behind the potential showdown, calling it the struggle to make. AKA head coach Javier Mendez has additionally endorsed the concept, calling it a real check for Jones’ unparalleled legacy.
During a recent podcast appearance, Mendez shared his optimism about the fight, stating, “Dana doesn’t discuss c**p. Possibly he can’t all the time make every thing occur. But when he says that’s what he needs to do I consider that’s what he’s making an attempt to do. I consider he’s going to place his greatest effort to get it performed and I consider it may occur if Dana says he makes it occur then who else could make it occur? Let’s see what occurs.”
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Mendez additionally acknowledged the magnitude of the struggle, including,
“I nonetheless favor Jones due to the expertise and every thing however hey. It’s a type of fights he might lose too; it’s arduous to say. let’s see in the event that they put it collectively however he’s going to place some huge cash on the desk that is going to be some huge cash.”
Jon Jones | Picture courtesy: Imago
The MMA neighborhood, together with different stellar coaches like Firas Zahabi and Jones’ longtime rival Daniel Cormier, agree that Aspinall represents a singular menace. Cormier, particularly, highlighted the stress Jones would possibly really feel heading into this matchup. “I don’t even know if there’s ever been a time in his profession the place somebody has been favored to beat Jon Jones,” Cormier mentioned. “And I feel that issues him.”
Mendez beforehand revealed an fascinating twist in Jon Jones’ plans: a desire to face Alex Pereira as a substitute of Aspinall. Nonetheless, the ‘Workforce Khabib’ member himself has been vocal about favoring the Jones-Aspinall matchup, which he believes poses a far larger problem for the reigning champion.
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“I feel Aspinall can beat Jones. I feel he’s the largest menace to Jones,” Mendez mentioned in an interview with Canada On line casino. Including gasoline to the hearth, one other distinguished MMA journalist has stepped ahead, echoing what followers have been envisioning for months—a showdown between Jones and Aspinall.
Ariel Helwani weighs in on the highest struggle to make in 2025
Throughout The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, the renowned host revealed that the MMA community has unanimously rallied round one struggle for 2025 as probably the most anticipated matchup of the yr. “Let’s kick issues off with the fights we should see in 2025,” Helwani started, earlier than teasing the consensus choose. “And right here’s a spoiler for all of you guys: let me break the fourth wall. None of us know one another’s solutions for any of those classes, if you’ll, any of those subjects– apart from one subject. And it’s this subject, and that’s why I needed to get it out of the way in which.”
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Helwani went on to verify what followers and pundits alike have been clamoring for: the extremely anticipated heavyweight title unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. Helwani referred to it as a dream conflict between “Bones vs. the delight of Manchester,” reflecting the worldwide pleasure surrounding this potential struggle. Even Dana White has iterated his newest stance on the matchup. Talking after UFC Tampa, White confidently said, “Yeah, I’ll say 100% [guaranteed],” when requested in regards to the probability of Jones vs. Aspinall occurring in 2025.
With the potential for a record-breaking occasion, the stakes couldn’t be greater for Jones and Aspinall. As followers eagerly await this historic showdown, the query stays: Who will emerge victorious in 2025? Share your predictions within the feedback beneath!