The MMA world is buzzing after new footage emerged showing UFC heavyweight contender Tom Aspinall sparring and looking absolutely sharp as he prepares for the highly anticipated showdown between Jon Jones and Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. Aspinall, who has been rapidly climbing the ranks in the heavyweight division, is not just staying busy during his recovery from injury, but also helping none other than the legendary Jon Jones prepare for his own massive comeback to the octagon.

Aspinall’s Role in Jon Jones’ Camp

While Jon Jones is widely regarded as one of the best, if not the best, fighters in the history of mixed martial arts, the heavyweight division presents a new challenge for him. In anticipation of his matchup with former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane, Jones is leaving no stone unturned in his camp. Enter Tom Aspinall, who has been seen working closely with the GOAT.

Aspinall, who is known for his explosive speed, technical striking, and unorthodox movement, is the perfect sparring partner to help Jones adapt to the power and athleticism of the heavyweight division. Aspinall has an explosive combination of power and finesse, which makes him a valuable asset for any fighter looking to prepare for a dynamic and high-paced opponent.

The sparring footage, which was recently shared on social media, shows Aspinall moving with incredible fluidity and precision, showcasing his sharp footwork and ability to land fast, clean punches. His speed and technique were on full display, and it’s clear that the British heavyweight is firing on all cylinders.

Fans React to the Footage

The new footage quickly made waves online, with MMA fans and analysts alike commenting on how impressive Aspinall looks. Despite not being able to fight due to his recovery from a knee injury, Aspinall’s sparring skills are showing no signs of rust. The British heavyweight is known for his exciting style and his ability to seamlessly blend technical strikes with raw power, and this sparring footage only serves to highlight that.

“Tom Aspinall is the future of the heavyweight division,” wrote one fan on Twitter. “He looks so fluid and dangerous in these exchanges. I’m telling you, once this guy is fully recovered, he’s going to be a nightmare for anyone in the division.”

Another fan commented, “Aspinall is a perfect partner for Jon Jones right now. He has the style, the speed, and the power that will help Jon get ready for Gane. It’s going to be an interesting fight, but Jones is looking sharp with this kind of sparring.”

Even fighters were chiming in on how sharp Aspinall looks. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, a long-time training partner of Jon Jones, praised the footage, acknowledging Aspinall’s dangerous potential. “That’s exactly the kind of sparring Jon needs,” Cormier said during a recent interview. “Aspinall is fast, technical, and can move like a lightweight. If Jon can handle him, Gane’s going to have his hands full.”

Why Aspinall is So Valuable to Jones’ Camp

For Jones, sparring with someone like Aspinall provides him with a unique challenge. Gane, who is known for his exceptional movement and striking, poses a very different set of problems compared to Jones’ typical opponents. Aspinall’s ability to move fast and close distance quickly mirrors Gane’s style, making him an ideal training partner for the reigning light heavyweight champion.

What’s even more impressive is the fact that Aspinall himself is still considered a top-tier contender in the heavyweight division, despite his recent injury. His skills are absolutely on par with the best in the division, and his ability to push Jones to the limit during training is likely to help the UFC legend refine his game ahead of UFC 285.

It’s also worth noting that Aspinall’s size and athleticism make him an even better fit for Jones’ camp. As a natural heavyweight, Aspinall’s size and strength will mimic the type of pressure and power that Gane will bring to the octagon. Getting used to that kind of pressure in sparring could be key to Jones’ success when the two step into the cage for their highly anticipated fight.

Aspinall’s Own Comeback on the Horizon

While Jones is preparing for his heavyweight debut, Aspinall is still on the comeback trail after suffering a torn ACL in his fight against Curtis Blaydes last year. The injury temporarily halted what was shaping up to be a breakout year for Aspinall, who had been on a tear through the division with devastating knockout wins over fighters like Andrei Arlovski and Sergey Spivak.

With his recovery progressing well, Aspinall is expected to return to action in 2023, and fans are already eagerly anticipating his return. Many believe that Aspinall could soon be a title contender in the heavyweight division, especially given the rapid pace at which he’s evolved his game.

“I can’t wait to get back in there,” Aspinall said in a recent interview. “I’ve been working harder than ever during this recovery, and I’m more motivated than ever. Once I’m back, I’m coming for the top.”

What’s Next for Jon Jones and Aspinall?

As Jon Jones continues to prepare for his fight with Gane, his sparring sessions with Aspinall will likely be a crucial part of his preparation. If Aspinall can continue to push Jones to new heights, it’s only a matter of time before both men make a massive impact in the heavyweight division.

For Aspinall, the clock is ticking as he eyes a comeback that could propel him into the upper echelon of the division. With the combination of speed, power, and technique that he possesses, there’s no doubt that once fully recovered, he could be a serious threat to whoever holds the heavyweight title.

Until then, MMA fans will be watching closely, eager to see how both of these fighters continue to evolve and dominate the heavyweight landscape.