Tom Aspinall is the current interim UFC heavyweight champion of the world. Instead of getting the chance to unify his belt against Jon Jones, the Brit recently had to defend it. He wants to fight actively, but the current state of heavyweight division won’t allow it. However, UFC CEO Dana White believes Aspinall will soon get his big opportunity.
The UFC championship will be on the line at UFC 309, with Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic fighting over it. The announcement was made at Noche UFC with Jones in the building. During an interview at Noche UFC, Jones confirmed that his fight with Miocic would be the last one in his career. Following the update, White claimed that after UFC 309, Aspinall would be the main man in focus.
Tom Aspinall is next in line for anything that happens after this fight.
Dana White via Contender Series presser
It was refreshing for fans to see Dana White finally acknowledge Aspinall instead of glazing Jones. White was concerned about Jones running wild in Las Vegas, which makes sense considering the hype surrounding UFC 309. The stakes are significantly higher now that fans know it’ll be Jones’ final UFC bout.
Dana White reacts to Jon Jones saying that his next fight will be his retirement fight:
“See how this fight plays out and then we’ll go from there.”
He also says that Tom Aspinall will be the backup for that fight 👀#UFC309 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/qmIhYeCmGY
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 18, 2024
After Jones made the retirement announcement, it attracted some criticism from fight fans. According to many, Jones should fight Tom Aspinall, not Stipe Miocic, who is in his 40s. These criticisms aren’t new for Jones, who has frequently sidelined the title unification bout for his legacy fight.
Tom Aspinall is fit and ready for UFC 309
Tom Aspinall has frequently accused Jon Jones of holding the division by not fighting him. The Brit previously offered UFC to replace him with Stipe Miocic for UFC 309. The British fighter left no stone unturned and tried every trick in the book to get the fight against Jones.
Tom Aspinall will be there at UFC 309 (via X)However, that didn’t happen, as the UFC was adamant about their decision regarding Jon Jones. Now that the announcement is made, Aspinall is happy with the development.
I will be fighting the winner. I will be there. If they need me, I will be fit and ready.
Tom Aspinall via his YouTube channel
Jones is often regarded as the GOAT of MMA with a highly decorated resume. The heavyweight champion has had 15 championship bouts and has nothing to prove. However, his leaving the sport without fighting the top contender has started a debate. It will be interesting to see whether it will affect his legacy or not.
