Tom Aspinall defended his UFC interim heavyweight title against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July. At just 30 years old, the British fighter has already etched his name into history, marking only the fourth occasion in the UFC’s 31-year history that an interim title has been successfully defended.
Dana White, the UFC President, couldn't contain his admiration for Aspinall's performance. "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," he said.
White’s high praise points to the significant potential and promise that Aspinall brings to the octagon. Aspinall has been eyeing the reigning heavyweight champion Jon Jones, as well as Stipe Miocic. The anticipation for a clash involving these titans is palpable, especially since Aspinall has been biding his time since November 2023 for the UFC to schedule a title fight between Jones and Miocic.
White underscored the merit of such matchups, acknowledging that both Jones and Miocic have fought a plethora of battles over their careers. "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," White commented. "Whoever wins that fight, I think they owe it to Aspinall to fight him and give him the opportunity that they've been given."
There’s no question that Aspinall is deemed worthy of such an opportunity. As White pointed out, "He would be 'shocked' if Jones didn't want to fight the British contender."
Jon Jones, the current reigning heavyweight champion, has shown a preference for matches against Miocic and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. This inclination adds a layer of complexity to the scheduling of Aspinall's long-awaited title bout. However, Dana White remains confident that the fight will materialize sooner rather than later, and when it does, it promises to be a spectacular showcase of skill and determination.
Moreover, the possible retirement of Miocic after his fight with Jones adds another dimension to the narrative. White confirmed that Miocic will "100% retire" after this anticipated clash, further heightening the stakes and cementing the bout as a significant milestone in UFC history.
Aspinall’s journey in mixed martial arts has been marked by rapid ascension and decisive performances. His ability to defend his interim title successfully has added to his credibility and pressure on the current champions. With more heavyweight title defenses under his belt than Jon Jones, Aspinall’s accolades speak volumes about his prowess inside the cage.
The question now is when, rather than if, Aspinall will get his chance to vie for the unified heavyweight title. As the UFC continues to arrange fights that captivate fans and push fighters to their limits, the eventual showdown between Aspinall and either Jones or Miocic (should he choose to retire after his fight with Jones) seems inevitable. Such encounters are bound to be thrilling and could redefine the future of the heavyweight division.
As Dana White succinctly put it, "He looks great and he looks like he's going to be the guy."
The path that Tom Aspinall has blazed in the UFC reaffirms that he is indeed a heavyweight force to be reckoned with. Only time will tell how his legend will grow, but one thing is certain: the British contender has earned his place in the annals of UFC history and deserves the chance to cement his legacy even further.