Yorgan De Castro, Jon Jones’ training partner, has rejected suggestions that Bones should face Tom Aspinall next.
The UFC Heavyweight Champion recently pulled out of his title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 last November. Jones injured his pectoral muscle in sparring, which required surgery. Jones then underwent more surgery on his elbow, which has kept him out since then. The UFC Heavyweight Interim Champion, Aspinall, has patiently waited for his title shot.
He has had two first-round knockout wins since his loss and injury to Curtis Blaydes in 2021. Stoppage wins over Marcin Tybura and Sergei Pavlovich have put him in the conversation for a title shot. Aspinall demanded that the UFC strip Jones so he could face Miocic for the title. The winner would then face Jones.
Dana White refused that request, leaving Aspinall to wait for the Jones fight or defend his interim belt. Aspinall also questioned whether fans wanted to see Jones face Miocic, calling on Bones to face him instead. But De Castro has downplayed claims that Jones owes anything to Aspinall.
De Castro Reacts
“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. 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. 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?” De Castro said
This has created the narrative that Jones is ducking Aspinall. Miocic is 41 and could be 42 by the time the Jones fight happens. Francis Ngannou also knocked him out in his last fight at UFC 260 in 2021. That period of inactivity may no longer make him the fighter he once was.
Aspinall Reacts
Jones is also five years younger, giving him a slight edge. Aspinall is 30 and coming into his prime. His fast hands and big frame make him a tough match-up for Jones. After his recent encounter with Jones at the Arnold’s Sports Festival UK in Birmingham, England, Aspinall was confident he could beat Jones after sizing him up.
“He’s alright, mate. First time I met him. He’s nowhere as big as I thought. I thought he’s a lot taller, but I guess when you fight at light-heavyweight your whole career, and you’re 6’4″, you look really tall. But I’m a full-grown heavyweight, aren’t I? He’s nowhere as big as me, but size doesn’t matter really. We’re both massive guys, but I’ll take that one. I think I beat him definitely,” Aspinall revealed
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