There is a very good reason that Tom Aspinall is the UFC’s interim heavyweight champion. After all, the Englishman is a threat, and a big one on the feet, as well as on the ground, having one of the most well-rounded and versatile skill sets in the entire sport. The proof is in Aspinall’s stupendous record in the world’s biggest, most competitive mixed martial arts promotion.

After all, all but one of the Englishman’s nine UFC wins have come via first-round stoppages! Needless to say, Aspinall is dangerous. That is why many fans feel ‘undisputed’ champ Jon Jones is doing his darndest to ‘duck’ Aspinall. And among those who think this is Jones’ former foe and UFC light heavyweight star, Anthony Smith.

Speaking to Michael Bisping on his podcast, ‘Lionheart’ paid Aspinall a huge compliment, terming him a new and improved version of his friend and many people’s pick for heavyweight GOAT, Stipe Miočić. And that is precisely why Smith doesn’t think Jones will agree to fight Aspinall, who is the backup fighter for ‘Bones’ upcoming UFC 309 clash with Miocic, even if the latter pulls out.

“It’s actually not that much of a different matchup [for Jones]. But I think Tom’s a better grappler you know, probably a more willing, stronger wrestler but in terms of their striking, and their movement and their speed. Like I’ve always said, I think Tom is the evolution of Stipe. Like, I think, he’s just added on to what Stipe did. I think that but they’re in the same vein at least, in my opinion. I just don’t think Jon would [agree to fight Aspinall on short notice],” Smith said, via Michael Bisping Podcast.

However, Smith doesn’t think that that stylistic challenge is the main reason Jones is hesitant to face the interim champ.

Smith feels Jon Jones just hasn’t had enough time to study Tom Aspinall

In addition, the biggest reason Smith thinks Jones will not face Aspinall is because of perhaps the most essential part of the GOAT contender’s preparations for a fight- his ‘obsessiveness’ with his opponents. ‘Lionheart’ reminded Bisping how Jones had admitted to watching his opponents’ tapes over and over again in order to get to understand every aspect of their game.

And since the two-division has not had the opportunity to do that for Aspinall, Smith feels Jones will refuse to face the Englishman, especially in case of a short notice fight on UFC 309. Indeed, Jones has been known to turn down short-notice fights, as he did with Chael Sonnen more than a decade ago.

“That quick flip doesn’t give him enough time in his head to make it okay with him, like he doesn’t have enough time to adjust and to feel like he knows that person… He’s not comfortable with the matchup,” Smith added. What do you think about ‘Lionheart’s comparison between Stipe Miočić and Aspinall?