The UFC heavyweight division has yet to witness a title defense from the undisputed champion. Moreover, Curtis Blaydes is unconcerned about Jon Jones holding the title of UFC heavyweight champion. The current plan is for Blaydes to face Tom Aspinall for the interim UFC title at UFC 304.
Ahead of the fight, Curtis Blaydes recently did an interview with MMA Junkie. During the conversation, Blaydes talked about the upcoming fight and the importance of Jon Jones in the equation. Blaydes did not think Jones would challenge the winner of his bout against Aspinall. As such, he considered the interim belt to be the real belt.
If I win or if Aspinall wins, I don’t think Jon’s going to fight anyone outside of Stipe. After Stipe, he walks away into the sunset…I’m fighting for the belt. Fans don’t care. All they see is the shiny belt and you holding it in a UFC octagon. So, to me, it’s the real belt.
Curtis Blaydes via MMA Junkie
Jon Jones was originally scheduled to fight Stipe Miocic last year. However, due to a pectoral injury, the heavyweight had to take time off. Currently, there are reports about Jones fighting Miocic in November inside the Madison Square Garden. Jones has come under fire from Tom Aspinall for allegedly slowing down the division by declining his challenge.
For now, Aspinall must defend his title against his previous opponent. In 2022, Blaydes and Aspinall engaged in a bout, which concluded horrifyingly. Aspinall’s injury caused him to lose the fight. This time, Aspinall is the interim champion. As such, Blaydes considered the winner of his upcoming bout as the real champion.
When Curtis Blaydes shared a beer with Tom Aspinall after their unfortunate fight
The fight between Curtis Blaydes and Tom Aspinall at UFC London had an incredible amount of hype. The native heavyweight had a massive fan following to cater to. However, things didn’t go well, as it was over 15 seconds into the fight after the Brit injured his leg.
Curtis Blaydes and Tom Aspinall share a beer after their unfortunate fight (via X/YouTube)However, this didn’t stop the pair from having a wholesome moment with each other. While talking about it, Blaydes revealed that his father and Aspinall’s father got together and arranged a meeting where they all shared a beer.
My dad, I guess he was in the lobby downstairs at one of the bars in the lobby area. He was down there, and he bumped into Aspinall’s dad…my dad walked into my room and was like, ‘Hey, let’s go up to Aspinall’s room. He wants to have a drink with you.’ So I was like, ‘OK’…The whole Aspinall [crew], his whole squad, his dad, his uncle, everyone, even the women. Everyone was super nice, super cool
Curtis Blayades via MMA Hour
The moment was well appreciated by fight fans who loved to see such sportsmanship between the UFC heavyweights. However, this won’t stop any of them from getting back inside the octagon and trying their best to destroy each other at UFC 304.
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