Exclusive: Tom Aspinall is "head and shoulders above" Jon Jones but a PFL crossover will better decide the best heavyweight, says Dan Hardy

Dan Hardy has weighed in on the debate surrounding the current best heavyweight in MMA.

In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Hardy expressed his belief that, based on recent activity, UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is currently superior to Jon Jones.

However, Hardy acknowledged that a definitive answer could be determined through a potential crossover between Aspinall and the winner of the upcoming Francis Ngannou vs. Renan Ferreira matchup in the PFL.

The PFL's Director of Fighter Operations (Europe) said:

"Right now there's a lot of conversation on the other side around Tom Aspinall, Jon Jones, Miocic, etc. That right now for me, Tom Aspinall is head and shoulders above Jon Jones and Stipe. Just purely based on his activity [in the octagon].'

He further added:

"Then you could compare Tom Aspinall to Ngannou and Ferreira. And that might be the fight to determine who the best heavyweight is on the planet. The winner of the Ngannou-Ferreira fight and then Tom Aspinall, you know. It's exciting."

Check out Dan Hardy's comments below (10:15):

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Tom Aspinall sends a message to Jon Jones

Tom Aspinall is eager to unify the heavyweight championship with Jon Jones, who is expected to take on Stipe Miocic later this year.

Speaking in a recent interview, Aspinall expressed his desire to face either Jones or Miocic should either UFC veteran pull out of their rumored November matchup.

"I'll be ready to jump in with either of you guys for the undisputed title, if one of you is going to pull out."

The British heavyweight has been on a tear since capturing the interim heavyweight title, and he believes he deserves a shot at the undisputed championship. Aspinall even went so far as to request that Jones hand him the belt if he successfully defends against Miocic:

"If you successfully defend against Stipe in November, I will be there in the crowd. I'll be there front row. I want you to hand me the undisputed title as you walk past me please. Thank you."

Check out Tom Aspinall's comments below: