Veteran analyst Dan Hardy believes Jon Jones, despite being the UFC heavyweight champion, may not currently be the best heavyweight fighter compared to Tom Aspinall and Francis Ngannou, citing their unique skills and potential challenges they pose in the division.
Tom Aspinall, Jon Jones, and Francis Ngannou—each a titan in the heavyweight division. But who truly reigns supreme?
Veteran analyst Dan Hardy finds this question more complex than it seems. Each fighter brings something unique to the octagon.
Jon Jones holds the “undisputed” UFC heavyweight title. Yet, Hardy questions if he’s truly the best in his division.
“Jon Jones is the pound-for-pound best,” Hardy told MMA Fighting. “But as the current top heavyweight? I don’t think so.”
Hardy argues that the winner of Aspinall vs. Ngannou could claim that title. No disrespect to Jones, but perhaps he’s not the best right now.
Jones has only had two fights at heavyweight. Fighters like Aspinall and Ngannou present challenges he hasn’t faced yet.
Aspinall and Ngannou have unique skills that make them formidable opponents. That’s why Hardy ranks them highly.
“Play those three matches in any setting; they’ll end differently each time,” Hardy mused. “Aspinall’s speed is lethal.”
Aspinall resembles a welterweight in a heavyweight’s body. At 254 pounds, he’s all muscle—no fat.
Jones’ experience and fight IQ are impressive. But against Aspinall’s speed or Ngannou’s power, even that might fall short.
“Could Aspinall land punches neither Jones nor Ngannou see coming?” Hardy wondered aloud. “That’s the big question.”
Aspinall vs. Jones could happen someday. But Ngannou, fighting for PFL, remains an outsider in this UFC-centric debate.
After defeating Renan Ferreira in October, Ngannou’s next opponent remains uncertain. Who will face “The Predator” next?
Ngannou might meet the winner of the upcoming PFL Championship bout between Oleg Popov and Denis Goltsov.
Hardy acknowledges questions about Ngannou’s competition level but hopes PFL continues seeking top talent to challenge him.
“That challenge isn’t my call,” Hardy said about Ngannou’s future foes. “Yet Vadim Nemkov could pose an intriguing problem.”
“Reug Reug” called out Ngannou—a possible cross-promotion with ONE Championship? “As a fan, I’d love to see it,” Hardy admitted.