UPDATE: Former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has branded Tom Aspinall a “one-trick pony” following Aspinall’s controversial title fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 on October 25, 2023. The bout ended in a no-contest after just 4 minutes and 35 seconds due to an accidental eye poke, leaving fans and analysts clamoring for clarity on Aspinall’s fighting capabilities.
Jones, who submitted Gane to claim the heavyweight title in March 2023, expressed his disappointment during a recent appearance on the NoScripts Podcast. He stated, “Tom’s a great athlete, but I do feel like he’s a one-trick pony.” This bold assertion comes as the MMA community debates the future of Aspinall, now facing significant challenges following his fight.
The brief encounter with Gane saw Aspinall unable to continue, raising questions about his overall skill set. Jones elaborated, “He couldn’t touch Ciryl Gane at all. I felt Gane was just getting warmed up.” His comments highlight a stark contrast between the two fighters, suggesting that Gane was the more formidable opponent.
Concerns for Aspinall extend beyond the octagon. Reports indicate he has yet to regain full vision in either eye, with his father and head coach confirming the severity of the situation. This lingering impact from the eye poke could affect his career trajectory significantly.
In light of these developments, UFC CEO Dana White confirmed plans to rebook the championship matchup between Aspinall and Gane, generating anticipation for the rematch. However, Aspinall’s health status remains uncertain, complicating the timeline for the fight.
While Jones had previously been linked to a potential title unification bout with Aspinall in early 2025, he announced his retirement from MMA in June. Recently, he has expressed interest in a comeback, aiming for a clash with current light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira at a UFC event planned for the White House next year. Notably, Jones has not shown interest in facing Aspinall in the future.
The MMA world waits with bated breath as Aspinall navigates this challenging period in his career. Fans are encouraged to stay tuned for updates on his recovery and the anticipated rematch with Gane.
This developing story underscores the dynamic nature of the UFC and the impact of injuries on athletes’ careers. With the stakes higher than ever, the fight for Aspinall’s future in the octagon is just beginning.