Tom Aspinall Continues to Rise in UFC Heavyweight Division
Tom Aspinall's journey in the UFC has been nothing short of remarkable. At just 30 years old, the British fighter has already made a significant impact in the heavyweight division. As the UFC interim heavyweight champion, Aspinall successfully defended his title against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 last July, marking a milestone that is rare in the promotion's 31-year history.
This victory was only the fourth instance of an interim title being defended in the UFC, and it solidified Aspinall's standing as a formidable contender in his weight class. UFC President Dana White didn't hold back his praise, emphasizing the dominance Aspinall displayed. "What he did to Curtis Blaydes, the way he did it and how fast he did it, there is no doubt this guy is a scary dude, and he looks like the future of the heavyweight division," said White.
Indeed, Aspinall's rapid rise through the ranks has been met with widespread admiration. Despite his impressive credentials, including more heavyweight title defenses than Jon Jones, Aspinall has been biding his time, waiting for the opportunity to fight for the undisputed title. Since November 2023, he has awaited the scheduling of a title bout between heavyweight champion Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic.
Jon Jones, who currently holds the heavyweight title, has shown a preference for matchups with seasoned fighters like Stipe Miocic and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. This has left Aspinall in a challenging position as he lobbies for a chance to prove himself against one of the sport's all-time greats. "But at the same time, he's working his way up. He's climbing up the ladder. Everyone says, 'He deserves this and he deserves that.' The dude doesn't deserve anything. He looks great, and he looks like he's going to be the guy," said White, highlighting the challenges that come with ascending in such a competitive environment.
While Aspinall waits for his shot, Dana White has provided some clarity on the potential future of the heavyweight division. White confirmed that Miocic would "100% retire" after his fight with Jones, which could open the door for Aspinall to challenge for the belt. "You have Stipe and Jon -- who have paid their dues, they've been here forever, they've fought everybody and they've fought all the fights you can possibly fight -- these guys deserve to fight each other. Whoever wins that fight, I think they owe it to Aspinall to fight him and give him the opportunity that they've been given," White explained.
This potential matchup between Jones and Miocic could indeed set the stage for Aspinall's ultimate test. His record and performance have shown that he is more than capable of competing at the highest level. Aspinall's fans eagerly await the UFC's decision, as they firmly believe that the British contender has earned his place among the division's elite.
White's confidence in Aspinall's future was also evident when he mentioned he "would be 'shocked' if Jones didn't want to fight the British contender." This statement adds weight to the anticipation surrounding Aspinall's career trajectory.
For now, the UFC interim heavyweight champion continues to train and prepare, fully aware that his moment in the spotlight may soon come. Aspinall’s story is one of perseverance, skill, and an unwavering determination to achieve greatness. As the UFC heavyweight division evolves, all eyes remain on Tom Aspinall, who seems poised to leave an indelible mark on the sport.