Veteran MMA fighter Anthony Smith suggests that the reigning undisputed heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, is deliberately manipulating interim champion Tom Aspinall.
For well over a year now, Tom Aspinall has openly pursued a title unification bout against Jones. Despite Aspinall`s consistent calls for the high-stakes fight, it has yet to be scheduled. The prolonged waiting period is clearly starting to affect Aspinall, who recently surpassed the record for the longest tenure as a UFC interim champion. According to Anthony Smith, this frustration and delay are exactly what Jones intends.
Speaking on UFC Live, Smith offered his view: “I have considerable respect and affection for Tom Aspinall, but in his situation, I would likely be less vocal.” Smith elaborated that Aspinall`s efforts to provoke Jones and challenge his ego in an attempt to force the fight are probably ineffective. He described Jones as a “master manipulator” and highly skilled in the “mind games” prevalent in competitive sports, tactics he has honed over many years competing against the world`s best fighters.
Smith`s perspective is informed by personal experience, having faced Jones himself in 2019 (a fight where Jones successfully defended his light heavyweight title). Based on this direct encounter, Smith advises Aspinall to fundamentally change his approach, believing his current strategy is precisely what Jones wants him to do.
While acknowledging Aspinall`s natural fighter`s mindset, which drives him to assert superiority, Smith contends that Jones is simply not moved by such challenges. “Jon genuinely doesn`t care what Tom Aspinall desires,” Smith stated, adding that Jones often prefers to act in opposition to others` wishes. He characterized this as a core part of Jones`s operational style.
Smith concluded by reflecting on his own past dealings with Jones, describing them as “emotionally and mentally exhausting,” and acknowledging Jones`s expertise in applying such psychological pressure. He noted that, from his observation, Aspinall already appears to be showing signs of weariness from the ongoing situation.
