Ben Askren expects Jon Jones to make fast work of Alex Pereira if the 2 ever tussle contained in the Octagon.
Following Pereira’s sensational first-round knockout of Jamahal Hill at UFC 300, ‘Bones’ took to social media to gauge curiosity in a possible superfight between himself and the reigning 205-pound champ. For sure, followers exploded with pleasure on-line and pundits instantly started debating who would come out on high within the potential champion vs. champion conflict.
Talking with UFC Corridor of Famer Daniel Cormier, former Bellator MMA and ONE world champion Ben Askren prompt that Pereira wouldn’t final for much longer in opposition to Jones than Ciryl Gane did.
“Individuals need to see him have the flexibility to cease takedowns, due to you’ll be able to’t cease takedowns [from] Jon Jones, he’s going to take you down and submit you,” Askren stated on an episode of Funky & Champ.
“We noticed Pereira get taken down by [Israel] Adesanya and he was saved down for, really, a good portion of time. And it’s sort of wild that we’ve got this man Pereira, and there’s little question he’s making his mark as, probably, among the best ever if he retains successful, but [there] are questions on his wrestling. Like, how would he do in opposition to good wrestling? And we don’t know as a result of by some means Jamahal Hill didn’t strive a takedown, [Jiri] Prochazka didn’t strive a takedown, [Jan] Blachowicz really did take him down and maintain him down for a spherical, Strickland didn’t strive a takedown. … Like, these guys, they don’t strive takedowns.
“He’s received all of those fights … and as he’s fought Sean Strickland and on, in addition to one spherical with Jan — and Jan’s not likely a wrestler, he possesses some expertise however he’s not likely a wrestler. [Pereira] has nonetheless not fought a wrestler. So we nonetheless have all of those questions. So if he fights Jon Jones, I feel there’s an opportunity it’s over in like two and a half minutes. I imply, look what Jon did to Ciryl Gane. He’s a big man, he’s a high-level wrestler, he’s obtained nice grappling expertise. Yeah, I feel there’s a chance of that for positive” (h/t MMA Combating).
Jones secured a fast two-minute submission victory over Gane at UFC 285 to assert the vacant heavyweight title.
‘Bones’ was anticipated to defend the title in opposition to the division’s consensus GOAT Stipe Miocic in November, however a pectoral harm compelled him to bow out of the bout.
Askren believes Jon Jones must battle Tom Aspinall earlier than Alex Pereira
Within the meantime, the UFC has topped an interim champion in Tom Aspinall after the UK-based star scored a 69-second KO in opposition to Sergei Pavlovich contained in the world’s most well-known enviornment.
Historically, the undisputed champion would unify his belt with that of the interim titleholder upon their return. Sadly, that received’t be the case this time round as each Jones and the UFC have remained adamant that ‘Bones’ vs. Miocic will transfer ahead.
With rumors of retirement and now speak of a possible battle with Alex Pereira, it has turn out to be more and more extra clear that Jones has no intention of ever combating Tom Aspinall, a lot to the chagrin of battle followers and Ben Askren.
“We need to see Jon Jones battle Tom Aspinall,” Askren stated. “Aspinall’s obtained the interim belt, Jon’s obtained the [other] belt. It simply doesn’t make any sense. Simply freaking make them battle, after which if Jon beats him, then Pereira vs. Jon.
“You possibly can’t depart Tom Aspinall sitting right here with the interim belt.”
