Tom Aspinall cautioned against lack of cage time and improvement in ‘other areas’ against Jon Jones

Tom Aspinall needed just one minute and a crisp one-two combo to starch an opponent again. But what if he slugged it out for more than that against someone like Jon Jones? Hear from Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman.

Tom Aspinall cautioned against lack of cage time and improvement in ‘other areas’ against Jon Jones

Henry Cejudo pitches in on Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones after UFC 304 pay-per-view (Source: Instagram/IMAGO)

After Tom Aspinall blew through Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, it’s all eyes forward to the undisputed belt. The Brit called out Jon Jones yet again. Despite his long absence, ‘Bones’ is no easy matter. Discussing the win with Kamaru Usman, former double champion Henry Cejudo saw some clear options where the Brit could falter.

The commentary from Cejudo had the Alex Pereira treatment written all over, with a linear skillset or lack of it. Unlike the Brazilian, though, Tom Aspinall can outbox, counter, grapple, and is quick on feet. He tore through Curtis Blaydes at Co-Op Live via knockout (punches) – R1 in exactly sixty seconds. ‘Triple C’ thinks this will be a clear problem when facing Jon Jones.

Last four fights bro! 3 minutes and 37 seconds, Jesus Christ...But, that can also be his worst enemy too because...you know a guy like Jones, a guy like Jones is smart bro. A guy like Jones, we cannot doubt the dude. The dude could wrestle and the dude will probably make this dude fight that beast side...his [Aspinall] IQ on his feet is good, but we also have to see him in those other areas.
Henry Cejudo via the “Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru Usman & Henry Cejudo” Podcast
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Per statleaders.ufc.com (UFC Record Book), he has the shortest average fight time, shortest bottom position and percentage, and 2nd highest knockdown average per minute. Aspinall, 31, also boasts the best striking differentials and third-best strikes landed per minute. However, Henry Cejudo wonders if the lack of extensive matches would mean he lacks experience against the likes of Jones.

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Cejudo did give credit where credit is due. The Team Kaobon MMA striker is fast and is a counterpuncher. Tom Aspinall is also prone to wrestling, not that people last long enough to test it out. In the case of ‘Razor’, though, there were talks about an early stoppage. Kamaru Usman, who similarly lauds his skills, quashed such notions.

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Kamaru Usman sees no issue in Tom Aspinall’s ‘early’ win over Curtis Blaydes

Tom Aspinall’s 15 career wins all came by stoppage. His average fight time of 2:02 in UFC competition is unlike any other. He is equally intimidating in all areas. With another shock stoppage under his belt, when people look to Aspinall, they see someone who might truly beat Jon Jones. However, his issues with his old opponent aren’t over yet.

Kamaru Usman sees no early stoppage in Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes
Kamaru Usman sees no early stoppage in Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes (Source: UFC.go.com/IMAGO)

During UFC 304’s penultimate fight, Aspinall was anything but tired despite it going into the night. He sniped Curtis Blayde exactly one minute into the opening round. Blaydes failed to capitalize on his stance and be intimidating. Aspinall caught him in a lean-in with a straight left. Already on his way down, the Englishman unleashed another right and barrage of ground and pound.

Marc Goddard has seen enough to sound off a stoppage. A lot of people initially billed it as an early stoppage. Merab Dvalishvili, once again, went off the matter. Kamaru Usman, though, sees no issue.

Everyone is speculating, ‘Oh, was it an early stoppage.’ At first, I would think so but this is the thing with big boys though. Yes, the jab didn’t completely [drop him]…like it was just kind of momentum...Curtis tried to get back up but those are big boys...I don’t think it was an early stoppage...Curtis was kind of caught off guard and was unable to recover quickly enough.
Kamaru Usman via the “Pound 4 Pound with Kamaru Usman & Henry Cejudo” Podcast

Like Henry Cejudo, he also praised the counterboxer for his agility. After being hit, the Brit still took some time to work out his opponent’s range. But when he tagged him in the momentum, ‘Razor’ could not recover. That is enough bad graphics to cue that it might lead to injury. Aspinall really seems to be in his Pereira phase of things. However, Usman just sees the best heavyweight in him right now.

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