The UFC schedule for 2025 is set to kick off, with one of the biggest questions in the sport being whether Jon Jones will unify the heavyweight titles in a fight against Tom Aspinall.
The matchup between Jones and Aspinall is highly anticipated, with UFC CEO Dana White guaranteeing that the fight will take place within the next 12 months. While Aspinall is eager for the opportunity to become undisputed heavyweight champion, Jones seems more interested in a potential superfight against Alex Pereira.
Jones has expressed a willingness to vacate his UFC title in order to face Pereira, who has quickly risen to stardom in the promotion. However, former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz believes that Jones is avoiding a potential showdown with Aspinall, whom he considers to be a formidable opponent.
According to Blachowicz, Jones may be hesitant to face Aspinall due to the heavyweight’s ability to pose a serious threat. While Blachowicz himself nearly derailed Pereira’s ascent in the 205-pound division with a grappling-heavy strategy, Jones is known for his ground game and could present a different challenge to Pereira.
Blachowicz’s performance against Pereira could serve as a blueprint for how to defeat the Brazilian, showcasing the effectiveness of grappling against the former kickboxing champion.
With Aspinall’s knockout power and submission skills, he presents a unique challenge to Jones. Aspinall has dominated his opponents in the UFC, with the majority of his victories coming in the first round.
Blachowicz believes that a fight against Aspinall would be tough for Jones, leading to speculation about the future plans for both fighters. Whether Jones is seeking a final payday before retiring remains to be seen.
As the UFC landscape continues to evolve in 2025, the potential matchups and outcomes remain uncertain. Only time will tell what the future holds for Jones, Aspinall, and the rest of the UFC roster.