Pimblett Doubts Aspinall

Count Paddy “The Baddy” Pimblett among the doubterseven if it’s a fellow Brit in his crosshairs.

The wildly popular lightweight isn’t sugarcoating his opinion when it comes to Tom Aspinall’s chances against Jon Jones. For all of Aspinall’s ferocity and fast-twitch finishes, Pimblett sees a different outcome should the UFC champ get his long-awaited shot at the legendary “Bones.”

“Tom’s Got It AllBut It’s Still Jon Jones”

In a recent chat with Jared Gordon on the Chattin Pony podcast, Pimblett didn’t mince words. When the talk turned to Tom Aspinall possibly squaring up with Jon Jones, the ever-candid Scouser turned realist.

“Tom’s unbelievable,” Pimblett said. “I think he could probably beat any heavyweight in the worldbar one. That one’s Jon Jones.”

Hardly the heel turn you’d expect from one Brit to another, right? But Pimblett wasn’t throwing shade. In fact, he was paying the ultimate complimentjust not to Aspinall. The Liverpudlian made it clear he believes Jones’ record, resume, and ring IQ make him a generational puzzle few – maybe none – can solve.

The ‘GOAT’ Factor

Let’s not forget: we’re talking about a man whose name is etched into the MMA Mount Rushmore. Jon Jones is undefeated in his career, if you discount that one controversial disqualificationand frankly, most do. Even after a multi-year layoff, he came back and steamrolled Ciryl Gane like it was a walk in the park.

That quick submission win at UFC 285 only added to the mythos. But with Jones sidelined due to injury, and Stipe Miocic waiting in the wings for what could be one final hurrah, the Aspinall fight remains in limbo.

“It’s Just Not a Good Matchup”

Aspinall, now the interim heavyweight champion, has been laser-focused on securing a date with Jonestaking every opportunity on the mic to call him out. But Pimblett believes that fight ends one way.

“I just think for Tom, that’s a hard night,” Pimblett said. “He’s better than the rest, but not better than Jon.”

To be clear, Pimblett is an Aspinall fan through and through. The two share similar rises through the UK fighting circuit, and their careers are advancing in tandem. But Paddy’s point is rooted in cold, unforgiving history: No one beats Jon Jonesnot yet, anyway.

Waiting in the Wings

That doesn’t mean Pimblett counts Aspinall out in the long run. He just thinks the timing might be off. And he may be right. After all, Aspinall captured interim gold by blitzing Sergei Pavlovich in under two minutes, and is riding heavy momentum. But Jones is a different beast.

There’s also the question hanging over the division: what happens if Jones-Stipe doesn’t materialize? Will Aspinall be elevated from interim to undisputed? Or will he get a crack at the GOAT? It’s all smoke and guesswork right now.

Fighting Talk, Friendly Fire

Pimblett’s remarks hit a unique chord. They’re not rooted in animosity, jealousy, or chest-thumping nationalism. Rather, it’s a fighter acknowledging greatnesswhile still praising his fellow countryman.

Fans might cringe at the honesty, but real talk rarely gets the ovation it deserves in the fight game. Aspinall might feel a way about it, publicly or privately. But from one fighter to another, it’s arguably the most respectful snub you’ll hear.

The Verdict

So where does this leave the heavyweight saga?

• Jon Jones vs. Miocic still looms, likely late 2024.
• Aspinall sits as interim king, growing more restless by the month.
• Pimblett remains a fanjust a realistic one.

For now, it’s business as usual in the ever-chaotic UFC landscape. Pimblett calls it how he sees it, and Aspinall keeps carving through the division. But if and when those two paths cross in the cage with Jones? That’ll be a night where hype, history, and hard truth finally collide.

Written by [Your Name], award-winning sports journalist covering combat sports across the globe.