The UFC heavyweight division has never been more exciting, with Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall on a potential collision course for the undisputed heavyweight title. With Francis Ngannou’s departure from the promotion, the division has seen a shift in power, and fans have been eagerly awaiting a true showdown between the best fighters. While many see Aspinall as the biggest threat to Jones’ dominance, longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan has made his stance clear—he firmly believes that Jon Jones will dominate Aspinall if they ever step into the octagon together.
The Heavyweight Championship Landscape
Jon Jones became the UFC heavyweight champion after dismantling Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. Since then, he has defended the title 12 times, setting a record for title defenses in the heavyweight division. His most recent win was a technical knockout over former champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, a fight that had originally been scheduled for November 2023 but was delayed due to injuries and scheduling conflicts.
On the other hand, Tom Aspinall emerged as the interim heavyweight champion after Jones suffered an injury before his highly anticipated matchup against Miocic. Aspinall’s dominant rise through the division has many fans and analysts questioning whether he is the true best heavyweight in the world. While many see him as the future of the division, Joe Rogan remains skeptical and has voiced his unwavering support for Jon Jones.
Joe Rogan Backs Jon Jones: ‘He Will Ragdoll Him’
“Who knows? [Maybe] Jon beats him. Jon might beat him up.”
Rogan went even further, making a bold prediction about how the fight would unfold if Jones and Aspinall were to face off in the octagon:
“He could take him down and f**ing ragdoll him on the ground.”*
While Aspinall has showcased impressive grappling skills and lightning-fast hands, Rogan pointed out a potential weakness in his game—his lack of experience in deep waters. The veteran UFC commentator explained:
“We also don’t know what happens to Tom Aspinall in the third, fourth, and fifth rounds. We have zero idea. No one’s gotten there, no one’s even gotten close.”
The Conditioning Factor: Could It Be Aspinall’s Downfall?
One of the biggest question marks surrounding Aspinall is his endurance. He holds the record for shortest average fight time in the UFC at just 2 minutes and 2 seconds per fight. While this stat showcases his ability to finish fights quickly, it also raises concerns about how he would perform in a five-round war against a seasoned veteran like Jon Jones.
Rogan believes that Jones’ ability to extend fights into later rounds would be a huge advantage against Aspinall. Historically, Jones has thrived in championship rounds, using his elite-level fight IQ, grappling, and cardio to wear down opponents and secure victories. If Jones is able to take Aspinall into deep waters, the narrative could quickly shift in his favor.
Jones vs. Aspinall: A Clash of Styles
If Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall eventually meet in the octagon, it would be a fascinating clash of styles:
Tom Aspinall: A powerful striker with incredible speed and precision, Aspinall’s strength lies in his ability to knock out opponents early before they can establish any rhythm.
The key factor in this potential bout would be Jones’ ability to neutralize Aspinall’s striking by utilizing his superior grappling and fight IQ. If he can take Aspinall down, he might be able to implement the same suffocating ground control that led to his success against fighters like Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, and Ciryl Gane.
Aspinall’s Path to Victory
While Joe Rogan remains confident in Jones’ dominance, it would be foolish to overlook Tom Aspinall’s chances entirely. Here’s how he could potentially defeat the reigning champion:
- Exploit Jones’ Age and Wear: While Jon Jones has dominated for over a decade, he is now in his mid-30s and has absorbed a lot of damage throughout his career. Aspinall could capitalize on Jones’ potential slowing reflexes and land a knockout shot early.
Force a Stand-Up Battle: Aspinall’s best path to victory would be to keep the fight standing, using his footwork, speed, and striking to outgun Jones on the feet.
Test Jones’ Durability: If Aspinall can land clean shots early and avoid takedowns, he might be able to test Jones’ chin and durability—something we haven’t seen many opponents do successfully.
Will We See Jones vs. Aspinall in 2025?
While nothing is confirmed, the UFC seems to be heading towards a showdown between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall for the undisputed heavyweight championship. The promotion’s president, Dana White, has hinted at the possibility of this mega-fight happening before the end of 2025, but contract negotiations and injuries could play a factor.
If this fight happens, it will undoubtedly be one of the biggest heavyweight clashes in UFC history. Fans are already debating who would come out on top, with some favoring Aspinall’s power and striking and others believing in Jones’ championship experience and grappling prowess.
Final Thoughts: Is Rogan Right About Jones?
Joe Rogan has never been one to shy away from making bold predictions, and his take on Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall has sparked a fierce debate among MMA fans. While Rogan believes Jones would dominate, the reality is that Aspinall has yet to be tested in later rounds, making this an unpredictable matchup.
One thing is certain: if Jones and Aspinall face off, it will be a fight for the ages—one that could define the future of the UFC heavyweight division.
Who do you think would win? Would Jon Jones “ragdoll” Tom Aspinall like Rogan predicts, or is Aspinall ready to dethrone the champion?
