UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis has voiced his disinterest in a possible heavyweight title unification struggle between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, a bout extensively anticipated by MMA followers. Talking throughout an interview, du Plessis defined his reasoning, which stems from his admiration for each fighters and a need to protect their legacies.
Dricus Du Plessis on Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall
Du Plessis praised Aspinall as a “phenomenal” fighter with distinctive abilities in grappling, wrestling, and putting—qualities hardly ever seen within the heavyweight division. He additionally acknowledged Jones’ dominance, describing him as “years ahead of everybody” within the sport.
Nonetheless, du Plessis emphasised that he doesn’t need both fighter to undergo a loss. I don’t must see Jon Jones struggle Aspinall as a result of I don’t need both of them to lose,” he said. He expressed a want for Jones, 38, to retire unbeaten, preserving his legendary standing whereas permitting Aspinall to emerge as the following large star within the division. Dricus Du Plessis mentioned:
“I don’t must see it—as a result of the world needs to see this. Jon Jones—as a result of I really like Aspinall. I feel he’s phenomenal. He’s within the heavyweight division, he has grappling, wrestling, and unbelievable putting—you don’t see that with heavyweights. Jon Jones is years forward of everyone, particularly at heavyweight—till Aspinall got here alongside.
“I mean, we saw what he did with Ciryl Gane. And now, Aspinall is young, he’s hungry. You have Jones, who is definitely at the end of his career—what is he, 38 years old? I don’t need to see this, ’cause he’s never been beaten. So I don’t need to see Jon Jones fight Aspinall, because I don’t want either one of them to lose. I want Jon Jones to retire unbeaten.”
Whereas du Plessis’ stance is rooted in respect for each fighters, it contrasts sharply with the joy surrounding this potential matchup. Many followers view Jones vs. Aspinall as some of the compelling fights that would occur in MMA at the moment.
UFC President Dana White has additionally expressed curiosity in making the bout occur, calling it probably “the biggest fight in history.” Nonetheless, Jon Jones himself has been noncommittal about dealing with Aspinall, citing issues about legacy and reportedly setting a excessive monetary demand for the struggle.
Regardless of du Plessis’ reservations, the opportunity of this blockbuster showdown stays a central matter within the UFC heavyweight division.
