Daniel Cormier predicts Jon Jones will eventually face Tom Aspinall.
The potential heavyweight title clash between Jones and Aspinall has been a major talking point in MMA for almost two years, yet progress has been minimal. UFC CEO Dana White maintains the fight is inevitable, but Jones has become notably evasive and hesitant about the matchup, leaving Aspinall, the interim champion, waiting for a unification bout. Cormier suggests Jones`s hesitation stems from confronting a new reality: being the veteran in a sport dominated by younger competitors.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Cormier described the dynamic: “Jon is now a 38-year-old looking at a 30-year-old who is larger, younger, and fresher. The situation has reversed. He no longer sees the toll of the sport on others` faces; he sees it on his own.” Cormier drew a parallel to Stipe Miocic, noting how time away had visibly aged him, implying Jones now feels similarly when facing a younger fighter like Aspinall.
Cormier clarified, “He isn`t scared, let`s be clear. But I believe there`s enough cause for concern.” He speculated that a significant fear for Jones might be the possibility of being knocked out cold by Aspinall. “I`m not sure he wants the world to see that image of him,” Cormier added, contrasting it with Jones`s history of knocking others out and his own discomfort remembering times he was defeated.
Jones holds a unique record of never being knocked out in his professional career, with his single loss resulting from a controversial disqualification. Aspinall, conversely, has demonstrated devastating power, finishing his last three opponents via knockout in a combined time of just over three minutes. This contrast fuels fan interest in a potential bout between arguably the sport`s GOAT and a formidable rising threat. However, fan optimism is waning regarding the fight actually happening. Despite this, Cormier remains hopeful, believing Jones`s ego makes it impossible for him to retire without facing Aspinall.
“I doubt he`ll relinquish the title without fighting Aspinall,” Cormier stated, explaining, “because the lasting impression would be that he avoided the fight, and I question if his ego could tolerate being seen as someone who ran.” He suggested the perception of fear would be more unbearable for Jones than the risk of fighting, especially considering the possibility that Jones might simply dominate Aspinall.
“There`s a genuine chance he steps in there and completely outclasses Tom Aspinall. You just don`t know how it will play out.” Cormier concluded, “Therefore, I believe he will fight him. I don`t foresee the need to strip him of the belt; I think he`ll take the fight.” He reiterated that while Jones could easily retire claiming GOAT status, the idea of being labeled as having run from a challenge will be too powerful a motivator for him as he considers his future.
