UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall admitted Jon Jones “doesn’t look in good shape” after photos of the MMA icon trying obese.
The Salford-born fighter claimed interim gold together with his harmful knockout of Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 final yr which arrange a possible blockbuster bout with undisputed heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
However, UFC chief Dana White was insistent on Jones, 36, taking up former heavyweight king Stipe Miocic in late 2023 regardless of Aspinall’s interim champion standing.
READ MORE: Fans satisfied Ebanie Bridges has ‘had Conor McGregor’s cream’ after newest night time out
READ MORE: Ebanie Bridges flaunts belongings on ‘unimaginable night time’ with UFC icon Conor McGregor
Learn extra
Sky Sports is bringing you 500 stay soccer video games to observe, as effectively entry to Cricket, Golf, F1, Boxing, NFL, NBA and extra throughout eight devoted channels. Sky Sports is the solely option to watch all of the motion this yr.
£22 a month
Sky
An damage to the New York native meant the struggle was pulled and Jones has remained inactive since profitable the heavyweight title in March 2023, when defeating Frenchman Ciryl Gane.
Despite his inactivity, ‘Bones’ has been noticed publicly just lately, making appearances in Thailand to show MMA at gyms as effectively and at Bellator’s joint-event with PFL in Saudi Arabia this previous week.
Will Tom Aspinall struggle Jon Jones this yr for the UFC heavyweight title? Give us your ideas within the feedback part beneath
(Image: Instagram)
Fans appeared to note that Jones seemed a bit heftier than his ordinary lean self, even with the kilos he packed on for his heavyweight debut final yr, with some even going so far as calling the MMA legend “fat” together with long-time rival Francis Ngannou after recognizing Jones on the Saudi Arabia occasion.
During an interview with Bettson, Aspinall, 30, addressed the current photos of his potential opponent as he stated: “He definitely doesn’t look in good shape. But the way you look, and fight are two different things.
“Just as a result of he doesn’t look in fine condition doesn’t imply that he can’t struggle very effectively as a result of he’s Jon Jones and is among the greatest to have ever accomplished it. I don’t know Jon personally and I’m not related to him in that means, so I don’t know the place he’s mentally. I’d love him to struggle and maintain going so I get an opportunity to struggle him however who is aware of.”
Join the Daily Star’s WhatsApp for the sexiest headlines, showbiz gossip and plenty extra
The Daily Star is now on WhatsApp and we would like you to affix us!
Through the app, we’ll ship you the sassiest showbiz tales, some naught headline and a seismic smattering of aliens…together with the newest breaking information in fact.
To be a part of our group, all it’s important to do to affix is click on on this hyperlink, choose ‘Join Chat’ and also you’re in!
No one will have the ability to see who has join and nobody can ship messages apart from the Daily Star workforce. We additionally deal with our group members to competitions, particular gives, promotions, and adverts from us and our companions.
If you don’t like our group, you’ll be able to take a look at any time you want. To depart our group click on on the identify on the prime of your display and select Exit group. If you’re curious, you’ll be able to learn our Privacy Notice.
Aspinall opened up concerning the quantity of meals it’s essential scoff down as a MMA heavyweight as he stated Jones appears to be like “heavy” within the snaps. “Yeah, for instance if I don’t train for a couple of months, I’m going to look in bad shape so that’s the way it is,” he defined.
“As a big guy, you need to be eating a lot of calories and if you’re not burning them, there’s only one place they’re going to go. Jon looks heavy right now but maybe that’s normal for him to look like that outside of training camp.”