Picture this: the reigning UFC heavyweight champion faces off in a hypothetical showdown against some of the sport's all-time greats, and a seasoned commentator boldly backs the champ over a legendary fighter many thought unbeatable. But here's where it gets controversial – this pick challenges what fans have long believed about MMA supremacy. Dive into the buzz surrounding Tom Aspinall's upcoming title defense, where opinions are as heated as the Octagon itself!
The British fighter, Tom Aspinall, is gearing up for a massive challenge later this month when he defends his undisputed heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 on October 25. It's been over a year since his last bout in July 2024, and Aspinall is eager for this event to kick off a fresh era of regularly risking his belt. Yet, even as he prepares for this high-stakes rematch, Aspinall openly acknowledges that one retired champion could have derailed his career entirely if they were still competing at their peak performance today. For beginners in MMA, it's worth noting that fighters like these often bring unique styles and skills that can turn any fight into a nightmare matchup – think of it as a chess game where one player has mastered every possible move.
Interestingly, while tensions ran high during the saga involving Jon Jones – the man many call one of the greatest of all time (GOAT) – Aspinall doesn't see 'Bones' as his toughest potential opponent. Instead, he pointed to Daniel Cormier, the former multi-division champion known as 'DC,' during a recent podcast appearance on 'ShxtsnGigs.' Aspinall admitted he might hold some edges against Cormier, such as speed or reach, but he firmly believes Cormier's prime abilities – that relentless wrestling, sharp striking, and tactical mind – would have spelled defeat for him. This is a fascinating insight because it shows how past eras of MMA valued different strengths, like Cormier's grappling dominance, which could overwhelm modern heavyweights who rely more on stand-up power.
Now, enter UFC commentator Jon Anik, who was put to the test in a viral 'winner stays on' video format with MailSportBoxing. For those unfamiliar, 'winner stays on' is like a tournament of hypothetical fights where the winner advances to face the next challenger, testing a fighter against a gauntlet of legends. Anik had already chosen Aspinall to defeat heavy hitters like Brock Lesnar, Stipe Miocic, and Cain Velasquez – each a storied name in UFC history, with Lesnar bringing that WWE-like charisma and power, Miocic known for his boxing prowess, and Velasquez for his ground-and-pound ferocity. But when Cormier came up, Anik's personal friendship with the former champ made it tough. Still, he stuck to his guns: 'Ah! My broadcast partner! I gotta be consistent, Tom Aspinall.'
The video didn't stop there, throwing in even deeper hypotheticals that made Anik pause. Next up was Jon Jones, that elusive active fighter fans are still clamoring for a matchup with Aspinall – despite the UFC's past reluctance. Anik chuckled and picked Aspinall again, joking about Jones' whereabouts. And this is the part most people miss: Anik went all the way, even choosing Aspinall over Francis Ngannou, the knockout king whose rocky UFC history makes a rematch seem improbable. 'Compelling fight,' Anik said. 'Tom Aspinall’s the answer, every day of the week.' It's bold statements like these that spark debate – is Anik biased, or does Aspinall's modern skill set truly outclass these icons?
As UFC 321 approaches, with last-minute additions to the card filling in for canceled bouts, the excitement builds. Yet, these picks remind us how subjective 'what-if' scenarios can be in combat sports. And here's where controversy brews: some might argue Aspinall's respect for Cormier shows humility, while others see it as undermining his own reign. Could Cormier's prime wrestling have been that unbeatable against today's heavyweights, or is this just nostalgia talking? We invite you to weigh in – do you side with Jon Anik's choices, or would you flip the script? Who from the old guard do you think could humble Aspinall? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let's discuss!
