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Dana White explains how close Derrick Lewis is to getting a title shot against Tom Aspinall

Originally posted on HITC | By Jamie Theodosi | Last updated Jul 13, 2025 5:09 PM ET

Derrick Lewis is still holding onto his top-10 ranking in the UFC heavyweight division, which hasn’t exactly been buzzing with new faces lately.

UFC Nashville took place over the weekend, with Derrick Lewis and Tallison Teixeira headlining. The event marked a return to Tennessee for the promotion.

Lewis handled the Brazilian giant without much trouble, finishing him late in the first round, although there was some debate over whether the stoppage came too soon.

In a strange moment after his win, Lewis ended up taking a call from U.S. President Donald Trump while he was still celebrating inside the Octagon.

Dana White gives update on Derrick Lewis’ title shot chances

Photo by Amy Kaplan/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

After Jon Jones announced his retirement, Dana White confirmed that the situation around the heavyweight division had finally been resolved. Tom Aspinall was set to face Ciryl Gane at UFC 304 in Manchester.

Jones has hinted at a possible return, saying he’s already back in the testing pool. But Aspinall, now holding the undisputed title, seems focused on keeping things moving rather than waiting around for Jones.

Following Lewis’ win over Teixeira, White said that another win could put him right back into title contention.

“I think that’s the way the heavyweight division has always been,” White said after the fight. “I mean, these guys don’t have to cut (weight), some of them have to cut but they don’t have to cut a lot of weight.”

He added: “A fight can turn with one punch, whoever lands that big shot, and they were both trying to land them and he got him. I thought the stoppage was a little fast, you know, but it is what it is.”

Chris Weidman thinks Aspinall vs Lewis could be next

Timing often plays a big role in who gets a title shot in the UFC, and right now, Derrick Lewis might be catching the perfect moment.

Former UFC champion Chris Weidman believes the promotion could book Aspinall vs Lewis next, using it as a placeholder before a potential Aspinall vs Jones fight later in the year at the White House.

Dana White has confirmed that plans for a UFC event at the White House on July 4th next year are real, and he’s set to meet with Trump soon to go over the details.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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