Jon Jones' Training Partner Dismisses Suggestion He Should Fight Tom Aspinall Over Stipe Miocic: 'Who Did Aspinall Beat?' (Exclusive)

During a recent interview with MMA News, former UFC heavyweight Yorgan De Castro gave his take on the division's current title picture. The Cape Verdean has frequently trained with Jones, notably aiding in the preparation for his debut in the weight class last year.

When discussing the debate surrounding Jones' first heavyweight defense, "The Mad Titan" suggested that a victory over Aspinall would not do much for "Bones" given the Englishman's UFC résumé. 

"I think Tom Aspinall, okay, he's a young guy, he's well-rounded, a big dude. I mean, I love Tom Aspinall, but who did Tom Aspinall beat? We've gotta give Jon Jones his respect" De Castro told MMA News. "He's looking to fight Stipe or Francis (Ngannou) because of the name. This is probably gonna be his last fight.

"If he beats Stipe, Stipe is one of the best to ever do it. Francis Ngannou is the scariest man walking alive, so that makes sense. He (Jones) told me personally that he would love to fight Francis. That's the thing that will get him off the bed," De Castro continued. "I know too he respects Tom Aspinall. But Tom Aspinall is young. Fighters go through moments in life. Jon, now he gets to choose what he's going to do. I honestly don't think he should fight Tom Aspinall... Him beating Tom, what are people gonna say? ... Who'd he beat?"

Despite his disappointment, Aspinall has seemingly accepted the plans and is instead willing to defend his interim gold in a rematch against Curtis Blaydes this year.

Regardless, he did recently further stoke the flames of the Jones conversation by turning up to a meet and greet with the reigning champ at an event in England.