FightBook MMA have some quotes from UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who predicts that Stipe Miocic must be a ‘freak of nature’ if he’s to beat Jon Jones on November 15. Aspinall additionally predicts that Volkov will see of Gane.
Speaking to CasinoHawks, that is what Aspinall needed to say:
Youthful and More energizing Jon Jones will probably be beat Stipe Miocic
I don’t know if it’s something tactical; I simply assume he’s youthful and brisker than Stipe. Stipe is round 43 years previous and hasn’t fought in like 4 years. He acquired knocked out in his final battle and wasn’t trying excellent in it, and that was years in the past now. Certainly Stipe – until he’s some form of bodily freak of nature – can’t begin getting bodily higher in his forties after being knocked out just a few instances and having one million fights. Who is aware of? Possibly he’s going to shock us all, however from a logical perspective, I don’t assume it’s actually doable to enhance bodily in your early forties.
I would be the hardest battle of Alex Pereira’s life
I believe it’s a tricky battle, to be sincere. I don’t see it as a simple battle in any respect. I believe it’s quite a bit tougher stylistically for me than a whole lot of the fights at heavyweight. However he’s going to have to hold my weight. When you’ve acquired 120 kilos smothering you, that’s not straightforward for him. When you’re the smaller man, that’s not going to be a simple evening.
Me and Alex, it’s a giant battle, but it surely relies on what he desires to do. I believe I’ve made it fairly clear I need to battle anyone, however he doesn’t actually need to threat transferring up. If he doesn’t need to, it’s utterly as much as him.
If Jones and Miocic retire, I’ll face Gane or Volkov subsequent
Effectively, I’d prefer to battle this yr, however I don’t assume it’s gonna occur due to the logjam on the prime with them two [Jones and Miocic]. So I believe we’re most likely early subsequent yr, hopefully. Realistically, it needs to be the winner of Jon and Stipe, however I believe they’ll retire, so I believe it’s extra more likely to be the winner of Cyril Gane and Volkov. That looks as if the logical perspective, however whether or not that occurs or not, I don’t know.
I’m match to battle proper now to be sincere. I may battle this weekend if I wanted to. I’m at all times there or thereabouts. I solely want just a few weeks to prepare for a battle. I practice twice a day regardless, so it’s simply the depth I would like to extend. I’m not considered one of these guys who will get fats or goes to events between fights. I’m able to battle more often than not.
Alex Pereira ought to tackle Magomed Ankalaev subsequent!
Initially, I believe he’s a very good fighter; I believe he’s elite stage. How would he take a look at heavyweight? I’d be guessing. He’s initially a middleweight and has moved as much as mild heavyweight, however I don’t understand how he would fare at heavyweight. I’d actually be guessing, however he’s a very good fighter.
Stylistically, the matchups he’s had not too long ago favored his model. That’s probably not his fault. I believe it’ll be fascinating to see if he can nonetheless get the identical pictures off when the specter of a takedown is there recurrently. As a result of, on the prime stage, everybody can do all the pieces now; you’ll be able to’t simply be good in a single space. However there are positively grappling-heavy guys like Ankalaev – then guys he’s been preventing, like Roundtree, who haven’t taken anybody down of their UFC careers. Somebody like Ankalaev could be an fascinating battle. I’d prefer to see that. I reckon it’s about 60-40 in favor of Pereira.
I’m not getting my hopes up that I’ll substitute both Jon Jones or Stipe at UFC 309
I imply, not but. I believe they’ll do all the pieces they’ll to make it to the battle, so i’m not getting my hopes up or something. That is most likely the final battle for each of them earlier than they retire. They’ll make some huge cash, so I’m simply doing my factor. If it occurs, it occurs. If it doesn’t, it doesn’t. I’m blissful both method.
I’ll depart Jon to it. He’s acquired a giant battle on his arms. I’ll want him all one of the best if I see him, however I’m respectful of his battle week. I’m leaning extra in direction of Jon, however I wouldn’t be stunned if Stipe gained both. I’d most likely say it’s like 60-40 in favor of Jon. It could be a whole lot of enjoyable if Stipe gained. However I’ll be there for battle week, the build-up, and all the pieces. I’ll positively be there for that occasion.
Coaching as a backup fighter is bizarre, Something can occur!
It impacts it fairly a bit. Normally, I’m working in direction of somebody particular, watching movie on individuals, determining what I ought to and shouldn’t do. This time, I’m simply getting myself in form to battle any individual if wanted. It’s a bit of totally different tactically, however by way of getting bodily prepared, it’s not that totally different. I’m simply on the brink of battle.
I’ve ready for lots of fights. Tactically, it’s a wrestle if I don’t know who I’m preventing, however the psychological and bodily I’ll be tremendous with. I’ve had a great deal of fights, so getting ready mentally and bodily isn’t a problem. Tactically, on the finish of the day, if I hit you, I can knock you out. I’ve at all times acquired that in my again pocket.
Something can occur earlier than UFC 309, I’m ready to battle Jon or Stipe
No, I’m not doing any of that. I’m simply specializing in myself. Something can occur. I at all times have a little bit of a tactical strategy, however you by no means know what another person will do. I’m simply masking all bases finest I can. I’ve educated for a great deal of fights. It’s simply one other coaching camp. I’ll be as ready as I’ve been earlier than. I’ve acquired about six weeks left till the date. I simply completed sparring — 9 5-minute rounds this morning. I’m in a great spot bodily and able to battle.
I wouldn’t be stunned if Volkov beats Gane
I believe it’s a 50-50 battle. I do know they fought earlier than, and it was an absolute stinker—the primary one was horrible. Since I fought Volkov, he’s improved quite a bit. He’s modified his coaching scenario, and Gane has been inactive. Gane appears to battle annually in opposition to opponents who go well with him fairly nicely. It’s exhausting to say; Volkov has been very energetic. I believe he fought 4 or 5 instances since we fought a few years in the past, which is quite a bit for an elite heavyweight. I nonetheless assume it’s an in depth battle, although, as a result of I imagine Gane is superb and sensible, however I believe it’ll be quite a bit nearer than the final one, and I wouldn’t be stunned if Volkov pulled it off.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Govt Author, Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a ardour for Fight Sports activities and in addition a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s additionally a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer.
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