Tom Aspinall Means Business: Heavyweight Champ Promises to Shake Up Division While Jon Jones Remains Inactive

The heavyweight division has been in a strange limbo lately. Seven months have passed since Jon Jones last stepped into the octagon, and fans are getting restless. But there’s a new sheriff in town, and his name is Tom Aspinall.

The interim heavyweight champion isn’t just talking about bringing activity back to the division—he’s dead serious about it. And honestly, it’s exactly what we need right now.

The Heavyweight Division’s Activity Problem

Let’s face it—the heavyweight division has been moving at a snail’s pace. Jon Jones captured the vacant title in March by submitting Ciryl Gane, then immediately started talking about fighting Stipe Miocic rather than the clear number one contender at the time, Francis Ngannou.

When Ngannou left the UFC, that shot should have gone to someone else climbing the ranks. Instead, we got radio silence and a whole lot of waiting.

Meanwhile, Aspinall stepped up at UFC 295 in November and needed just one round to flatten Sergei Pavlovich and claim the interim gold. The contrast couldn’t be more stark.

Aspinall’s Bold Promise to Fans

“I’m not here to sit around,” Aspinall told reporters at a recent media scrum. “The heavyweight division needs activity, and if Jones isn’t going to provide it, I will. I want to fight three times in 2024, minimum.”

This is music to fans’ ears. The British heavyweight has the kind of explosive power and grappling skills that make for must-watch fights. More importantly, he has the mindset of a true champion—always ready, always hungry.

Potential Matchups on Aspinall’s Radar

Who might be in line to face the interim champ? Several names make sense:

• Curtis Blaydes – A chance for Aspinall to avenge his only UFC loss (which came via injury)
• Ciryl Gane – A technical masterclass waiting to happen
• Alexander Volkov – Another opportunity for revenge against a former opponent
• Sergei Pavlovich – A rematch of their UFC 295 showdown

The Jon Jones Situation

While Aspinall is champing at the bit to compete, Jon Jones remains sidelined. The official story involves a pectoral injury that required surgery, pushing back his planned matchup with Stipe Miocic.

I’ve got to say what many fans are thinking: the Jones-Miocic fight feels like it’s more about legacy than about what’s best for the division. Both are all-time greats, but Miocic hasn’t fought since March 2021, when Francis Ngannou separated him from consciousness.

Meanwhile, Aspinall represents the new wave—young, explosive, and active. The contrast couldn’t be more obvious.

Will We Ever See Jones vs. Aspinall?

That’s the million-dollar question. Jones has hinted at retirement after the Miocic fight, which would leave Aspinall as the undisputed champion without ever getting to test himself against “Bones.”

For what it’s worth, Aspinall believes the fight will never happen.

“I think he retires after Stipe, if that fight even happens,” Aspinall said. “And that’s fine. I’ll just keep knocking people out and defending my belt. The division doesn’t stop for one man.”

What This Means for UFC Fans

The silver lining in all of this is that we’re likely to see more heavyweight action in 2024 than we did in 2023, regardless of what Jones decides to do.

Aspinall brings a refreshing attitude to the division—a champion who actually wants to be active and defend his title multiple times per year. What a concept!

And let’s be honest: his fighting style is tailor-made for highlight reels. Quick finishes, technical striking, and slick submissions—Aspinall has all the tools to become a fan favorite and perhaps the face of the heavyweight division for years to come.

The Bottom Line

While the Jones-Miocic saga drags on, Tom Aspinall is breathing new life into the heavyweight division. His commitment to activity should be applauded, especially in an era where champions sometimes fight just once per year.

For now, the division has two champions—one who seems content to wait for a specific legacy fight, and another who’s ready to take on all comers. As a fan, I know which approach I prefer.

Who would you rather see Aspinall fight next? And do you think we’ll ever see him square off against Jon Jones? Drop your thoughts in the comments!

Source: Vox Media