Yorgan De Castro, a regular training partner of Jon Jones, has rejected any suggestions that his teammate should face Tom Aspinall next.
Jon Jones v Tom Aspinall
Before his first UFC Heavyweight title defence last November, Jones injured his pectoral muscle in sparring, which resulted in him requiring surgery. Since then, there’s been no confirmation of when his inevitable matchup with Stipe Miocic will take place.
In that time, England’s Tom Aspinall, has won the interim heavyweight belt after a blistering knockout of Sergei Pavlovich. The 30-year-old has been forced to wait patiently for his shot at the undisputed belt. Despite this, he’s made it no secret where his intentions lie.
Aspinall has suggested on several occasions that the UFC should allow him to fight Miocic next. The winner would then face Jones.
UFC President, Dana White, has refused the request and assured fans it will be Jones v Miocic next. Now, the interim champion must wait and Jones’ training partner, De Castro has made his thoughts clear on the situation.
“Who’d he beat?” – De Castro
“I think Tom Aspinall, okay, he’s a young guy, he’s well-rounded, a big dude. I mean, I love Tom Aspinall, but who did Tom Aspinall beat? We’ve gotta give Jon Jones his respect. He’s looking to fight Stipe or Francis (Ngannou) because of the name. This is probably gonna be his last fight. If he beats Stipe, Stipe is one of the best to ever do it.
“Francis Ngannou is the scariest man walking alive, so that makes sense. He (Jones) told me personally that he would love to fight Francis. That’s the thing that will get him off the bed. I know he respects Tom Aspinall. But Tom Aspinall is young. Fighters go through moments in life. Jon, now he gets to choose what he’s going to do. I honestly don’t think he should fight Tom Aspinall… Him beating Tom, what are people gonna say? … Who’d he beat?” De Castro said.
How do you think a fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall would play out? Do you agree with De Castro? Let us know your thoughts?
Featured image credit to Embed from Getty Images
