Leon Edwards Backs “Prime Jon Jones” Over Tom Aspinall in Hypothetical Matchup

When it comes to fantasy MMA matchups, few spark more debate than those involving the GOAT candidate Jon “Bones” Jones. Former UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards just added fuel to that fire with his take on perhaps the most intriguing hypothetical heavyweight clash in the sport today.

Edwards didn’t mince words when discussing how a prime Jon Jones would fare against current interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.

Edwards Gives Jones the Edge Over Aspinall

In a recent interview that’s got the MMA world talking, Leon Edwards confidently backed Jon Jones to defeat Tom Aspinall if both fighters were at their absolute peak. The British former champ expressed zero doubt about the outcome of this dream matchup.

“A prime Jon Jones beats anybody,” Edwards stated matter-of-factly. “The way he approaches fights, his fight IQ, his ability to adapt mid-fight – it’s something we’ve rarely seen in this sport.”

Edwards, who knows a thing or two about elite-level competition, believes Jones’ unparalleled adaptability would be the deciding factor against Aspinall’s raw power and speed.

The Tale of the Tape: Jones vs. Aspinall

Why This Matchup Matters

The Jones-Aspinall debate isn’t just idle talk. It represents a crucial question about the evolution of MMA’s heavyweight division. Has the modern big man – exemplified by Aspinall’s blend of speed, power, and technical skill – surpassed the capabilities of the greatest fighter many consider to have ever competed?

Edwards doesn’t think so. He believes Jones’ unprecedented ability to dissect opponents and exploit weaknesses would neutralize even Aspinall’s impressive arsenal.

“I’ve seen what Jones does to elite opponents,” Edwards explained. “He takes away their best weapons and makes them look ordinary. Aspinall is amazing, but Jones at his best was something else entirely.”

Will We Ever See This Fight?

While Jones currently holds the UFC heavyweight title and Aspinall the interim belt, there’s no guarantee these two will ever meet in the octagon. Jones has been selective about his opponents in recent years, and at 36, many wonder how many more fights he has left.

UFC CEO Dana White has remained non-committal about whether Jones will face Aspinall next or pursue other challenges. This uncertainty only amplifies the speculative nature of Edwards’ comments.

The Broader Perspective

Edwards’ take reflects a sentiment shared by many MMA veterans who witnessed Jones’ dominance during his light heavyweight reign. Despite Aspinall’s impressive performances – including his recent demolition of Curtis Blaydes and Sergei Pavlovich – there remains a mystique around Jones that transcends weight classes.

What makes this debate particularly fascinating is that we’re discussing a prime Jones – not necessarily the current version. The Jones who dismantled Shogun Rua, dominated Daniel Cormier, and reinvented himself against each new challenger represents a fighter whose ceiling may never have been reached.

Fan Reactions

MMA fans have been divided on Edwards’ assessment. Some point to Aspinall’s blend of size, speed, and technical acumen as potentially problematic even for Jones. Others echo Edwards’ sentiment that Jones’ adaptability and fight IQ would overcome any physical advantages Aspinall might possess.

One thing’s certain – the debate won’t be settled on social media or in interviews. Until (or unless) these two heavyweights meet in the octagon, we’re left with educated guesses from those who know the sport best.

What’s Next for Both Fighters?

While the fantasy matchup continues to generate discussion, both Jones and Aspinall have real challenges ahead. Jones is reportedly considering a superfight with former champion Stipe Miocic, while Aspinall continues to campaign for a title unification bout.

Edwards, meanwhile, is focused on reclaiming his own welterweight title after losing it to Belal Muhammad earlier this year.

The Final Word

Whether you agree with Edwards or not, his opinion carries significant weight in the MMA community. As someone who has faced the best of the best and studied the sport meticulously, his assessment of Jones’ capabilities against the modern heavyweight elite provides valuable perspective.

What do you think? Would a prime Jon Jones handle Tom Aspinall, or has the evolution of heavyweight MMA produced a fighter who could have dethroned even the greatest version of “Bones”? The debate continues.

Source: Gannett-cdn