Is Tom Aspinel’s lack of time in the octagon his biggest obstacle to John Jones?
Aspinel fought third round when it took John Jones to defend his indisputable UFC heavyweight title once. However, his total combat time is just 3 minutes and 22 seconds, beating Marcin Tybura, Sergei Pavlovich and Curtis Blaydes coming in the opening round.
In comparison, the “Bones” title defense against Stipe Miocic lasted 14:29 in November.
While discussing Aspinel’s inevitable unification conflict with Jones, former two-time title challenger Chael Sonnen suggested that Britt’s lack of combat time and the limits within the Octagon would never be truly pushed.
“Tom hasn’t spent 30 minutes in four years,” Sonnen said on his YouTube channel. “It took me a few minutes here. It took me a few minutes here. It’s much better to connect it and take a break on the backend. You’re much better to sprinkle it on.
“When the fight turns out to be more difficult than you’re used to… that’s one thing about John Jones! His dog meter was tested. He had to bring it in!”
Tom Aspinel accused John Jones of “driving the masses”
Given Tom Aspinall is the interim heavyweight champion of the UFC, the showdown with the “Bones” should have been a natural conclusion. Unfortunately, anything can be far from the truth.
Despite Dana White’s recent positivity that this summer’s fight will take place, Aspinel continues to express his frustration with stuck scraps, as long as he condemns the “bone” of “sprinting through the nation.”
“Listen, I’m not disputing that he’s a great fighter,” Aspinel told Mike Majack. “The fact that he doesn’t want to fight (Francis) ngannou for three years now makes me not want to fight me for more than a year.
“But do you think he’s scared of fighting tough at this stage of his career? Absolutely. I can respect that. The honest answer would be “yes.” ”