Former UFC fighter questions Jon Jones' reign and points to possible new best heavyweight in the world

Jon Jones in victory in UFC 309. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

Dan Hardy caused controversy by questioning the reign of Jon Jones as the best heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) in the world. In an interview with MMA Fighting, the former UFC fighter defended the thesis that the true best in the world has not yet been defined and that only a hypothetical fight between Francis Ngannou e Tom aspinall could reveal the true 'king' of the heaviest division.

"I think that Jon Jones is the best pound for pound, but not the best current heavyweight on the planet. The speed of Tom aspinall would allow him to land punches against Jon Jones and Ngannou that both guys wouldn’t see coming and wouldn’t be able to stop,” Hardy analyzed.

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Hardy acknowledges Jones' strength and experience, but believes Aspinall's youth and fighting style could surprise the champion.

“The question is whether he would be able to do that kind of damage to knock them out. I don’t know. I’ve seen Francis take some pretty heavy hits,” he added.

After knocking out Stipe Miocic No. UFC 309, Jon Jones expressed his preference for facing Alex Poatán, the current light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg). However, UFC president Dana White has another idea: he wants to see 'Bones' unify the belts with Tom aspinall.

Although nothing has been confirmed at this point, the heavyweight champions recently revealed that they are in talks with the UFC to define their next steps.