Legendary MMA Coach Predicts Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall

Originally posted on MMA on SI | By Mathew Riddle | Last updated Nov 25, 2024 9:12 AM ET

Aspinall (Haljestam-USA TODAT SPORTS) / Jones (MMA Junkie)

Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is one of, if not the biggest fight the UFC can make in 2025.

The consensus among fans is that Aspinall is unparalleled for speed, knockout power, and finishing instinct inside the UFC's heavyweight division. He would also be the fourth fighter in Jones' 24-fight UFC career to have an age advantage over 'Bones'.

As one of the most enticing theory-fights right now, many fans, pundits, and now legendary coaches have given their two-cents on who's going to win.

John Danaher on IG

Firas Zahabi: This Is the Man Who Could Beat Jon Jones

Firas Zahabi, head coach of Tristar Gym and legendary coach of all-time great Georges St-Pierre, gave his prediction for a potential Jones-Aspinall showdown.

"Guys, I don't think Jon Jones is gonna fight Aspinall," Zahabi said on his YouTube channel on November 21. "There was a once upon a time I thought he would and he could win, but now I went over Aspinall's fights and I'm thinking, 'This is the man who could beat Jon Jones.'

"... [The UFC won't let Jones avoid Aspinall], he has to fight Aspinall or nothing," Zahabi remarked. "... I think [Aspinall] could be the man who beats Jon Jones and finishes Jon Jones. I don’t think anybody could last more than two rounds with Aspinall, nobody in the world."