Chael Sonnen Reveals What Tom Aspinall Said After Watching Jon Jones Defeat Stipe Miocic
After Jon Jones retained his heavyweight title at UFC 309 with a dominant finish over Stipe Miocic, all eyes shifted to Tom Aspinall. Sitting ringside during the event, the interim heavyweight champion shared his thoughts with Chael Sonnen, and his blunt assessment is already adding fuel to the potential showdown between Jones and Aspinall.
Tom Aspinall Calls Jones “Too Slow” After UFC 309
Speaking on Submission Radio, Sonnen revealed what Aspinall told him moments after Jones’s victory:
“One thing that Tom [Aspinall] said, Tom gained confidence being ringside to watch [Jon Jones],” Sonnen shared. “He said, ‘I’ve never watched Jon Jones except on television. Being ringside, he said he’s too slow.’”
The Englishman’s comment is a bold one, considering Jones’s legendary status. However, Aspinall added a lighthearted disclaimer, acknowledging the influence of post-fight beverages:
“Now, Tom also told us that he had just had a couple of beers,” Sonnen said with a laugh.
Despite the playful tone, Aspinall’s confidence in his speed compared to Jones’s has raised intrigue. Sonnen noted that this confidence makes the potential matchup even more compelling:
“If he thinks he’s faster than a 236-pound world champion, it makes me want to see it,” Sonnen added.
The Case for Jones vs. Aspinall
Aspinall’s remarks come at a time when the MMA community is buzzing about the possibility of a Jones-Aspinall showdown. While Jones dismissed Aspinall as an “a**hole” during UFC 309 fight week, UFC CEO Dana White has expressed confidence in making the fight happen.
Jones, who defeated Miocic with a spinning back kick to the body in the third round, appeared as sharp as ever despite a long layoff. However, Aspinall sees vulnerabilities in Jones’s performance. His comment about Jones being “too slow” reflects the belief that his own athleticism could be the key to dethroning the heavyweight champion.
Aspinall’s confidence is backed by his own stellar performances. At UFC 304, he secured the interim heavyweight title with a first-round finish of Curtis Blaydes, and he later knocked out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. Notably, Aspinall has never competed beyond the second round in his MMA career, a fact that Sonnen views as both a strength and a potential weakness.
“One thing that worries me about Aspinall is what other people praise him for, which is he’s been out of the first round one time,” Sonnen said. “If you’re going to find a way to get the jump on Jon Jones, no one is doing it fast, and that’s one thing that Jon has.”
What’s Next?
While Aspinall is adamant about fighting for the undisputed heavyweight title, Jones has other options on the table. A potential super fight with UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has been floated, but White has indicated that Aspinall remains a priority.
Jones’s performance against Miocic showcased his adaptability and finishing ability, reminding fans of why he’s considered one of the greatest of all time. However, Aspinall’s rising star and self-assured approach make him a compelling challenger.
The prospect of Jones vs. Aspinall is already generating excitement, with many speculating that it could headline UFC’s International Fight Week next year. For now, fans are left to wonder if Aspinall’s speed and confidence will be enough to test Jones’s legacy.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
