Technical Study at the Highest Level
Aspinall's grappling has long defined his mixed martial arts game, setting him apart from most competitors at the heavyweight level, where credible submission threats remain rare. His investment in ground-based skills extends well beyond what MMA competition demands, and his willingness to train alongside elite submission specialists reflects a genuine commitment to technical development.
Footage released on The B-Team channel captured Aspinall working with Craig Jones on a specific D'Arce Choke variation — the version popularized by Islam Makhachev. Jones broke down the mechanical details of the Makhachev D'Arce Choke, walking through the positional requirements and finishing mechanics that make the variation effective at the highest levels of competition. The session offered a window into the technical sophistication Aspinall brings to his submission game, and his choice to study a variation associated with one of MMA's most accomplished grapplers speaks to the seriousness of his approach.
A Counterpoint to Jon Jones's Assessment
The training footage also provides direct context for public commentary made by Jon Jones, who stated in an interview that Aspinall's wrestling and jiu-jitsu were "incredibly overrated," while conceding that Aspinall was a strong athlete. Aspinall's documented training history with practitioners at Jones's caliber offers a clear counterpoint to that assessment — illustrating a ground game built on purposeful technical study rather than raw athleticism alone.