In a surprising twist, UFC commentator Jon Anik has chosen Tom Aspinall over a UFC legend, believing the former would have prevailed in a hypothetical matchup. But here's where it gets intriguing: Aspinall himself thinks he'd have lost to this former champion.
Aspinall, the undisputed heavyweight titleholder, is gearing up for his first title defense against Ciryl Gane later this month. With a long hiatus since his last fight in July 2024, the British fighter is eager to kickstart a new phase in his career. However, he candidly admits that one former fighter would have dethroned him if they were in their prime today.
The legend in question? None other than Daniel Cormier.
While Aspinall had his fair share of frustrations with Jon Jones during negotiations for a potential fight, it's not Jones but Cormier whom he considers his most challenging opponent. In a recent podcast appearance, Aspinall acknowledged that Cormier's prime attributes would have been his undoing.
Anik, participating in a 'winner stays on' video, was asked to choose between Aspinall and Cormier. He had already selected Aspinall over heavyweight legends like Brock Lesnar, Stipe Miocic, and Cain Velasquez. But when it came to Cormier, Anik's friendship with the former champ made the decision more challenging.
Anik ultimately stuck with Aspinall, but the next two names on the list, Jon Jones and Francis Ngannou, added an interesting twist. Jones, in particular, is a fighter fans have been eager to see Aspinall face off against. Despite the challenges, Anik maintained his stance, envisioning Aspinall as the winner in every scenario.
And this is where it gets controversial: Is Aspinall truly the favorite against all these heavyweight greats? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's spark a lively debate!
