As the arena dimmed for a moment of reflection at UFC 320, fans and fighters were treated to a rare sight: Tom Aspinall, Jon Jones‘ longtime rival, putting a pause on their animosity to remember the late NFL legend Arthur Jones. While cage rivalries often spark heated exchanges, the English heavyweight’s kind gesture points at the human side of competition that goes beyond titles and records.

Before the UFC paid the live tribute, they took to Instagram to officially mourn the death of Arthur Jones, posting a heartfelt message to the MMA community. “UFC is saddened to hear about the passing of Arthur Jones. Our thoughts go out to his family, friends, and loved ones,” the post read. And while the post saw many UFC stars comment their condolences, it was Tom Aspinall‘s that clearly stood out.

The English heavyweight stunned many by taking a moment to express empathy. Tom Aspinall commented on the UFC’s Instagram post, “Thoughts and prayers to the Jones family 🙏,” putting rivalry aside and honoring a guy who influenced the sports world in so many ways. It was a little but impactful move that emphasized the humanity behind the fight game.

Arthur Jones, who passed away at the age of 39, was more than just the older brother of MMA icon Jon Jones and NFL star Chandler Jones. He carved his own way as a defensive lineman, winning Super Bowl XLVII with the Baltimore Ravens and later contributing with the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Redskins.

Jon Jones, who has long credited his brothers for shaping his competitive spirit, definitely felt the weight of the occasion. Arthur’s death is a personal loss for those who knew him as more than just an athlete—a brother, a mentor, and a presence whose energy inspired those around him.

The UFC’s live tribute, as well as the Instagram post, ensured that his legacy was remembered by thousands in attendance as well as many others watching at home. In a sport where fights dominate the headlines, the homage to Arthur Jones served as a reminder that respect and legacy last beyond wins and losses. Especially when a man passes away too young, leaving behind several what-ifs. And one big what-if scenario surrounding Arthur Jones will always be: what if he ever stepped into the Octagon? After all, Jon Jones believes his brother was champion material.

Arthur Jones could’ve been Tom Aspinall’s biggest threat

The UFC’s homage to Arthur Jones highlighted his legacy, but it also sparked “what if” scenarios among fans and fighters alike. There was a point when the eldest Jones brother really considered entering the MMA cage, and debate about how he would have matched up against elite heavyweights like Tom Aspinall is still alive in the community.

During the 2011 NFL lockout, Jon Jones reported that Arthur was training and strengthening his Brazilian jiu-jitsu in preparation for a move to MMA. “Arthur’s considering it, and he’s training,” Jon told ESPN. “I just talked to him today and he said ‘man, my jiu-jitsu’s getting so much better.’ I guess he’s using his wrestling base, and his size alone is crazy to deal with.”

Showing his confidence in his brother, ‘Bones’ went on to explain just how dominant Arthur was athletically, hinting at the threat he could have posed in a cage, “Since day one, he’s been a leader. He’s just gifted. He just has timing, body coordination, and light feet. Everything.”

Not just that, Jones even made the stunning confession, “He’s always been a better wrestler than me.” With that kind of foundation, many believe that a hypothetical matchup between Arthur Jones and Tom Aspinall may have been one of the heaviest-hitting challenges in modern heavyweight MMA.