Ex-UFC heavyweight champion makes bold prediction for potential Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall matchup: "I think he studies him and beats him"

Jon Jones made his highly-anticipated return to the octagon in November as he defeated Stipe Miocic via third-round TKO at UFC 309 to defend his heavyweight title for the first time. While he hinted at retirement leading up to the bout, he has since shared that he will continue his illustrious mixed martial arts career.

Tom Aspinall appears to be next in line to receive the opportunity to challenge Jones. Cain Velasquez recently weighed in on the matchup. Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show, the former UFC heavyweight champion was asked if he thinks the No.1-ranked heavyweight can beat 'Bones', to which he responded, saying:

"No, I don't think he does... Me just watching him, I kind of see his pattern a little bit in his striking - the way he comes in and strikes. I think Jon sees it, too. Jon, he studies, man, he does his homework. He's a master at this. He analyzes things, he studies you over and over again. I think just for that reason, he's going to know what to do so I don't think he beats Jon, no."

Velasquez added:

"Everybody has a pattern, everybody has a fight pattern. Some people disguise it better than others. The simple fact is the way Tom comes in and fights, he has a pattern that's somewhat easier to find. When he comes in and strikes - and I think you know what I'm talking about... Not that it's not effective, it is... But I think with the type of guy that Jon Jones is, I think he studies him and he beats him because of that."

Check out Cain Velasquez's full comments on potential Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall matchup below:

Jones is widely hailed as the greatest mixed martial artist of all-time, and much of that is due to his fight IQ. The heavyweight champion has been known to study his opponents and pick apart their weaknesses. While some believe that Aspinall can pose a different type of challenge, Velasquez sees 'Bones' getting his hand raised if the two share the octagon.

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Jon Jones praised for negotiation tactics ahead of potential Tom Aspinall clash

Following his UFC 309 victory, Jon Jones revealed that he would be willing to enter the octagon one final time for the right payday. Rumors have recently emerged that the heavyweight champion is seeking a $30 million payday to face Tom Aspinall, with the UFC reportedly willing to meet his asking price.

Michael Bisping recently praised 'Bones' for his negotiation tactics on his YouTube channel, stating:

"Jon Jones has kind of shied away from fighting Tom Aspinall leading up to the Stipe fight, which was an an absolutely stroke of genius in terms of marketing because it drove the demand through the roof, sky high, making it the fight that everybody wants to see. Well, guess what? The man is going to get paid, properly, more than likely. That's the rumor."

Check out Michael Bisping's comments on rumored Jon Jones payday to face Tom Aspinall below (0:06):

Bisping was among a large group who criticized Jones for brushing off any discussion regarding Aspinall in the lead up to his clash with Miocic. 'Bones' negotiation tactics seem to have worked however, as he appears set to receive the largest payday of his career before walking away from the sport.