Tom Aspinall believes he has one advantage over all of Jon Jones’ previous opponents.
Jones has dropped out of UFC action for now after suffering a serious injury, and on November 11, British fighter Aspinall fights Marcin Tybura for the interim heavyweight championship.
Should he win, that could pave the way for a clash with Jones down the line, but it is not clear when or if Jones will be back, given his age and miles on the clock.
Speaking to Casino Canada, Aspinall acknowledged that Jones is an intimidating opponent.
Discussing his weaknesses, he said: “I can’t see any at this point. If you look at a lot of Jon Jones’ fights, a lot of guys he’s fought are ones that he has fought at middleweight.
“If he is fighting a heavyweight like me who is bigger than him then that is the advantage I have got over him, but it is hard to look at the 25 or 30 fights he’s had and find weaknesses. He is absolutely incredible.”
Nevertheless, he sees a path to victory against the champion.
He explained: “I believe I can beat him otherwise I wouldn’t be asking for the fight. I’d never take a fight I didn’t think I could win. I’m a lot younger and a lot fresher than him. I think he has a lot of miles on the clock, and I have to use that to my advantage.
“I believe I am slightly more athletic and bigger than him but it’s hard to look through his resume and say he has any holes. I can’t say enough good things about Jon Jones’ MMA game, it’s incredible.”
Aspinall sees his power as the threat that Jones would not be prepared for, as well as being a little younger than the title holder.
He said: “No, I am a natural heavyweight who is 6ft5ins, 120kg+, I’m 30 years old, really quick for a heavyweight and I move different to a lot of the guys he’s fought. I’m quicker than a lot of the light heavyweights, never mind a guy who is bigger than him and that’s what I possess compared to the other guys he’s fought.
“I’d love to test it because I’d be confident that I win that fight.”