Firas Zahabi’s Prediction on Jones vs. Aspinall
In November 2024, Tristar Gym coach Firas Zahabi said he doubted Jon Jones would fight interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. Zahabi also argued that Aspinall had the tools to beat Jones and predicted few heavyweights could last two rounds with him. The video records Zahabi’s assessment at the time; the matchup never took place.
What Zahabi predicted
Zahabi’s view was that Aspinall’s speed, power and finishing ability made him a dangerous opponent for Jones. He said he did not expect Jones to accept the fight and favored Aspinall if the two met. Those comments were a coach’s opinion, not a booked fight announcement or a confirmed assessment from either fighter.
The fight never materialized
Jones defended his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, but the UFC announced his retirement in June 2025. Aspinall was then elevated from interim champion to undisputed champion. Jones and Aspinall never fought, so Zahabi’s prediction was never tested in the Octagon.
Aspinall’s first undisputed title defense came against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 on October 25, 2025. An accidental eye poke ended the bout at 4:35 of the first round, and the result was ruled a no contest. Aspinall later vacated the belt in September 2026 while dealing with ongoing eye complications. The UFC promoted Gane to undisputed champion, with a title defense against Josh Hokit scheduled for UFC 334.
A prediction from a different title picture
The 2024 discussion centered on a possible Jones–Aspinall unification bout. The title picture has since changed: Jones retired, Aspinall became champion and later relinquished the belt, and Gane now holds the undisputed title. Zahabi’s remarks remain a snapshot of the debate before those events, rather than a forecast of a fight result.
