Before Tom Aspinall rose to prominence in the UFC heavyweight division, another fighter felt the sting of being sidelined by Jon Jones. Corey Anderson, the former light-heavyweight contender, has now drawn parallels between his own career frustrations and the challenges Aspinall faces in securing a title shot against the legendary UFC figure.

The Rise of Corey Anderson and the “Duck” Accusations

Corey Anderson’s grappling-heavy, methodical style initially kept him out of the limelight. While flashy strikers often get attention, Anderson quietly amassed victories, proving his dominance on the UFC light-heavyweight scene.

Following a four-fight winning streak, Anderson faced Johnny Walker, a rising star known for his explosive knockouts. Anderson dismantled Walker in one round at UFC 244, solidifying his place as a top contender. Yet, despite his success, a fight with Jon Jones, then reigning light-heavyweight champion, never materialized.

In a candid interview with Bloody Elbow, Anderson reflected on the experience:

“Everybody asks me ‘do you think Jon Jones is ducking?’ Like? 100 per cent. It’s kind of funny we both had the same thing… When he doesn’t have that confidence in it, he kind of stays quiet, doesn’t say your name, and then does everything he can to say ‘I need more time.’ It is what it is.”

Anderson’s story highlights the nuances of matchmaking in the UFC: fighters can dominate rankings, but without the champion’s endorsement—or fear factor—their path to a title shot can stall indefinitely.

The Johnny Walker Fight That Should Have Been a Title Gateway

Johnny Walker, known for his high-octane striking, was on the rise in 2019. Anderson’s decisive victory over him could have been the perfect launchpad toward a title bout.

“I needed to do one more, another rematch. It was one of those fights where I was trying to prove a point… If I had just gone out there and wrestled and won, mauled him for five rounds on the ground like I did the first time, there was no denying me the title fight because there was nobody else left,” Anderson recalled.

However, Anderson’s pursuit of a spectacular finish rather than a tactical win ultimately delayed his title opportunity, demonstrating how strategic decisions in the Octagon can dramatically affect a fighter’s trajectory.

Parallels with Tom Aspinall’s UFC Journey

Six years ago, Aspinall was still a year away from signing his first UFC contract, while Anderson was attempting to secure a shot at Jon Jones. Anderson now sees striking similarities between his situation and Aspinall’s:

“It’s the same situation. Tom ended up going to [Jones’ meet-and-greet in his country], and years ago Jon had a meet-and-greet right down the street from my gym in New Jersey… he called security and had me kicked out.”

This anecdote paints a picture of the challenges fighters face when trying to confront UFC champions, even outside of official matchups.

Jon Jones’ Strategy: Confidence Determines Callouts

According to Anderson, Jon Jones’ approach to fighting top contenders hinges on confidence. Fighters he feels confident in beating get called out and hyped in the media. Others, however, are quietly avoided.

“If it’s somebody he’s confident he can beat, you’re going to hear him talking about you all the time. When he doesn’t have that confidence… he stays quiet.”

This explanation sheds light on why Aspinall, despite his rapid rise in the heavyweight ranks, may not see a fight with Jones anytime soon, even if the Brit is considered a future top contender.

Anderson’s Advice to Aspinall: Build Your Own Legacy

Anderson’s perspective is pragmatic. Rather than chasing a fight with Jon Jones, he advises Aspinall to focus on winning, building his reputation, and cementing his legacy in the UFC:

“What I’d say to Tom is stay focused and stay doing your thing. You are already one of the GOATs coming, so don’t worry about him. Keep winning and build your legacy… If Tom messes around and gets hurt or retires, Jon will pop back up. Then when Tom comes back, he’ll be out again.”

This advice underscores the importance of strategic career planning in MMA, especially in divisions where champions are selective about opponents.

The UFC Heavyweight Scene and Aspinall’s Title Prospects

Tom Aspinall has rapidly ascended the UFC heavyweight rankings, capturing attention with his versatility, striking power, and grappling skills. Aspinall is now set to defend his newly-minted title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi, an important step in his pursuit of long-term dominance.

Despite these achievements, Anderson’s insight suggests that some matchups, especially against legendary figures like Jon Jones, may never come to fruition due to politics, confidence, and business considerations within the UFC.

Lessons from Anderson’s Career

Corey Anderson’s journey offers several lessons for aspiring MMA fighters and fans:

Timing and Strategy Matter

Anderson’s attempt to secure a title shot was hindered by strategic choices inside the cage. Demonstrating the importance of playing to the matchup, his story shows that sometimes tactical victories may be more beneficial than spectacular finishes.

The Politics of Matchmaking

Even after high-profile wins, fighters can be sidelined if the champion is hesitant. Understanding the political dynamics in UFC matchmaking is crucial for fighters navigating title paths.

Focus on Legacy

Anderson’s advice to Aspinall highlights that legacy in MMA is about consistent performance and resilience, rather than chasing every big-name matchup.

Why Aspinall Should Take Note

Aspinall’s rise in the heavyweight division mirrors Anderson’s path in light-heavyweight: highly skilled, rapidly rising, and facing a selective champion. Anderson’s perspective provides valuable insight:

The UFC champion’s avoidance may not reflect Aspinall’s abilities but rather strategic confidence calculations.

Building a strong personal brand and fight record will ensure that Aspinall’s name remains prominent in discussions of all-time greats.

Patience and careful career management may open doors in the future, even if an immediate bout with a legendary figure seems unlikely.

Looking Ahead: UFC 321 and the Heavyweight Division

With Ciryl Gane awaiting Aspinall, the heavyweight division is poised for dramatic showdowns. Aspinall has the opportunity to solidify his position as a dominant force, proving that his career is about much more than chasing a single matchup.

Meanwhile, the legacy of Jon Jones remains untouchable in many respects, but fighters like Aspinall and Anderson illustrate the complex interplay of skill, timing, and politics in MMA.

Build Your Own Path

Corey Anderson’s story serves as a cautionary tale and a roadmap. While fans may clamor for certain dream matchups, the realities of professional MMA require strategic patience, focus, and adaptability. For Tom Aspinall, the path to greatness may not run through Jon Jones, but it can still be defined by dominance in the Octagon, championship victories, and a legacy that outlives debates about “ducking.”

As MMA continues to evolve, fighters like Anderson and Aspinall remind us that success is as much about intelligence outside the cage as skill within it. Focusing on performance, resilience, and personal growth can often outweigh the allure of high-profile but uncertain matchups.