Tom Aspinall warns Jon Jones he will be ‘one punch away from DISASTER’ at heavyweight as he prepares to step up to the division in comeback bout against Ciryl Gane… despite hailing the returning UFC icon as a ‘master’
- Jon Jones faces Ciryl Gane this weekend as he steps into the heavyweight class
- Tom Aspinall praised the American but said he faces potential peril and danger
- Offered warning that one punch could see his night over in a flash
Jon Jones has been warned that he could be one punch away from ‘disaster’ as he steps into the octagon for the first time in three years this weekend.
The American, hailed by many fans as the best ever UFC fighter, will take on Ciryl Gane this weekend in his first heavyweight clash having previously been world champion in the light-heavyweight division.
Writing for the BBC, fellow heavyweight Tom Aspinall hailed Jones as a hero of his and his legacy in the sport – but offered a stark warning that one hit could leave him in ruin in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
‘Jon Jones is a master, but heavyweights need to be ready for anything. You’re always one punch away from disaster,’ he wrote.
‘If Jones has piled on as much as 30lbs, then it could have an effect. I want to see how that carries over to his movement and cardio. I think Jones can definitely do it. I’m not sure that he will, I’m saying he can – there’s a big difference.
Jon Jones (L) will take on Ciryl Gane (R) on Saturday night in his first fight since 2020
The former light-heavyweight champion will make his first step up to the much-feted heavyweight division
Tom Aspinall spoke of his excitement at potentially facing off against ‘hero’ Jones in the future
‘The thing about the heavyweight division is it’s completely different, it’s almost got its own rules in comparison to the other divisions.
‘Sometimes it doesn’t really matter how technically superior you are to the other guy or how much fitter or stronger you are or how much smarter you are.
‘Sometimes it takes just one punch and that’s it. And that goes across the all divisions, but I think it’s even more apparent at heavyweight. You’re one punch away from complete disaster.’
Jones has piled on the pounds quite significantly for his step up – he is seen here in 2020
Describing Jones as a hero of his, who he has admired for well over a decade, Aspinall wrote of his excitement at potentially facing him – and the further boost to his legacy that he could gain by beating Frenchman Gane.
Aspinall labelled Georges St-Pierre as the best ever, simply because he has done it in two separate weight classes, but said Jones could put himself in the conversation should he claim victory on Saturday night.
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