Paddy Pimblett gut-wrenchingly picks against Tom Aspinall for Jon Jones super fight

UFC 314's Paddy Pimblett makes shock prediction for potential Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall unification PPV title fight.

Paddy Pimblett gut-wrenchingly picks against Tom Aspinall for Jon Jones super fight

Paddy Pimblett backing Jon Jones to beat Tom Aspinall (Source: IMAGO/X)

The anticipation for a Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall bout has made it one of the most important scraps. This is not just a title unification matchup, but as an overall must-see affair. ‘Bones’ touts adaptable high fight IQ. Tom Aspinall is indomitable with much of the same skillsets. But it’s those adaptable notes are why Paddy Pimblett chose GOAT Jones over his English comrade in this must-watch cable pay-per-view.

Paddy Pimblett returns this weekend in a five-round lightweight bout at Kaseya Center in Miami. Ahead of fight week, the fan-favorite scouser sat down for multiple media rounds with the question veering to Brit champ Tom Aspinall. The duo shared the UFC 304 PPV card, with Aspinall taking a mickey out of ‘Baddy’s’ bad flatulence traits. In a gut-wrenching move, Pimblett weighed in against him:

I’ll be honest, Tom’s a friend, I love Tom, he’s one of the coolest dudes in MMA and even though Jones is getting on [in career]…I just can’t pick against Jon Jones. I’ve been watching Jon Jones since 2010…He’s got proper longevity, and the one thing I do think – His fight IQ is the best in the world. He gameplans to beat people, …and he doesn’t fight the same way every fight. I want Tom to win, but I can’t pick against Jones.

Paddy Pimblett to Kyle Forgeard on the ‘FullSend’ Podcast (🎥: @fullsendpodcast)
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Although ‘Bones’ is now 37 , he is still widely regardable as the greatest due to his longevity. Per UFC Record books, he doused the most stats for title wins with his run at 205 pounds. There were doubts he’d survive the same against best heavyweight to do it – 42-year-old Stipe Miocic.

Miocic did have his pocket of crisp striking and gave troubles. However, Jon Jones pieced him in later rounds atop the UFC 309 PPV headliner and is now 2-0 in the weight class. His long tenure and battle IQ are reasons why many still name support him prolonging a title unification prep.

Because of Aspinall’s unique style, many are backing him. Per statleaders.ufc.com (UFC Record Book), Aspinall touts the shortest average fight time while maintaining the shortest bottom time. Consequently, he won’t be downed and he finishes the job within the first frame. However, countryman Paddy Pimblett is not a vote he can count on.

Demetrious Johnson thinks Paddy Pimblett will be champ one day

Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall have their own troubles but have a six-month pre-fight intermediate phase to iron them out. Speaking of championship stakes. Pimblett is returning this weekend at UFC 314 and hopes to cement his contender status. He might just be able to snag those top-5 battles if he can get past Michael Chandler. Chandler’s last battle was against a man with the promise of a UFC 155-pound top-seed spot. So, ‘Baddy’ might soon fight top contender scraps.

UFC 314's Paddy Pimblett poised to be champion
UFC 314’s Paddy Pimblett poised to be champion (Source: X)

In arguably his sternest UFC test, the English star came away with arguably his best win. In July, on the main card of UFC 304 PPV Manchester card, Pimblett took on longtime veteran King Green. The American fighter was looking for an early takedown, and Pimblett used it to counter him and even put his arm in danger.

It’s those SOTY-worthy submission outputs from Paddy Pimblett that have made him such a potent name. Along with that, Pimblett’s Cage Warriors days and history have also proven him a tough cookie. That is why Demetrious Johnson considered he will be soon up for undisputed gold.

This is why he’s so good, …I think one day he will be a champion — If he doesn’t become champion, it’ll be like one of the guys who were really good and never became champion, like a Urijah Faber or Joseph Benavidez. He does everything right, in this fight, in this time of his career, and when he fought Bobby Green.

Demetrious Johnson via his “MIGHTY” Podcast (@Mighty15x)
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In just six UFC fights, ‘Iron’ Chandler has been part of multiple FOTY candidates with his explosive output. There’s also the factor that Pimblett is prone to straight-on hits sometimes. The former title challenger can be a stiff test ahead. But ‘DJ’ isn’t counting Pimblett out of Saturday’s five-round pay-per-view UFC 314 co-headliner.

Related: Paddy Pimblett road map to title shot revealed by compatriot Michael Bisping