Jon Jones is on the cusp of possibly the hardest challenge of his career, in the form of Tom Aspinall, but one MMA star thinks he ought to avoid the powerhouse.
The potential clash has captured the imagination of the public, with the match-up pitting one of the most talented fighters of all time against an absolute monster capable of rendering anybody he touches unconscious with just one shot.
The Brit’s performances have been so terrifying that some fans believe they’ve scared off the heavyweight champion. Aspinall himself has slated Jones for ‘holding up’ the fight.
However, while most are hoping the American signs on the dotted line, a former UFC star is convinced he should go out of his way to swerve the contest.
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Marc Diakiese tells Jon Jones to ‘Walk away’ rather than fight Tom Aspinall
For many, Jon Jones needs to beat Tom Aspinall to solidify his status as one of the greatest mixed martial artists in UFC history.
However, Mark Diakiese thinks the legend has already done more than enough to leave a fantastic legacy, and ought not to take the risk of losing.
In an interview with The Daily Mirror, he explained: “For me, what Jon Jones has achieved and what he has done, I think he should just walk away. Tom Aspinall is young and fresh; he’s hungry. Jon Jones has done it all. He doesn’t need to be facing guys that are young and hungry at that level.
“He’s done everything… he’s fought all the top guys you could possibly think of like Rampage Jackson, Lyoto Machida, all the top guys. He’s fought them, so he doesn’t need to prove anything; he can just retire. He’s got the heavyweight belt… leave it! If it was me and I was fighting him, I’d make sure I was getting paid big money before I leave.”
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Inside Dana White’s negotiations for Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall
While Diakiese isn’t convinced that the match-up should go ahead, Aspinall is determined to make it happen.
Having dismantled everybody else he’s faced in the UFC, the dynamite puncher has just one last hurdle to cross to become the undisputed champion.
His appetite for the fight is palpable, with even the president of the promotion discussing how much the 31-year-old wants it.
In an interesting interview, Dana White gave an insight into how negotiations are going with Jones and Aspinall.