After years of waiting, Tom Aspinall finally achieved his dream by becoming the new UFC undisputed heavyweight champion. He had long hoped to achieve this feat by defeating Jon Jones, but fate had a different, more anticlimactic plans. Now that Jones has retired, Aspinall aims to be an active champion and revive the stagnant heavyweight division.
Throughout his title reign, Jones fought only once and consistently denied Aspinall a rightful opportunity to claim the title. This led to growing frustration among other top contenders and concern from fans over the fading relevance of the division. In a recent One on One MMA interview, Aspinall expressed his intent to revive and compensate for the wasted momentum.
I would like to do four (In next 12 months). I don’t know how realistic that is because the heavyweights are a little bit different. First of all, there’s not as many of us. Especially, look at the top 10 now, I have beaten six of them now. My goal is to beat ten of the top ten. Second of all, injuries happen a lot with bigger guys. We are not as active as the smaller weights. But my goal is at least three maybe four between now and by the end of 2026.
Tom Aspinall via One on One
Aspinall has shown pure dominance in the heavyweight division, defeating top contenders with a mix of skill and power. He brutally knocked out Sergei Pavlovich in the first round, showcasing his incredible timing, speed, and devastating punching precision. In his last bout, the Brit made quick work of Curtis Blaydes finishing him in just over one minute, and defended his interim title.
Tom Aspinall says he’d like to clean out the top ten in the next 12 months
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) July 3, 2025
"I'd like to do 4 [fights] in the next 12 months. If you look at the top ten, I have beaten 6 of them. My goal is to beat ten of the top ten. I wanna beat all ten."
(via: One on One MMA) pic.twitter.com/GzlBmeobCS
Aspinall’s ability to make elite opponents look average proves he’s a special heavyweight with terrifying power and elite composure. One of the biggest remaining challenges for him is a former interim champion and elite striker, France’s very own Ciryl Gane. The French striker was previously focused on filming a Netflix project, but is now fully committed to returning and reclaiming title relevance.
A potential matchup between Aspinall and Gane promises fireworks due to their striking-heavy styles and major heavyweight division consequences. Beyond Gane, rising contenders like Jailton Almeida have also publicly called out Aspinall for a potential title opportunity. It remains to be seen what UFC has planned next, but Aspinall’s reign already feels like an exciting new era.
Before Jon Jones retired, Tom Aspinall did everything possible to get his attention, including repeated callouts and bold trash talks. Despite the efforts, Jones never engaged and continued delaying any potential fight with the surging UK contender. UFC CEO Dana White revealed they accepted all of Jones’ terms, including a massive fight purse and promotional flexibility.
Jones backed out, leaving fans disappointed and denying Aspinall the legacy fight he desperately wanted. Recently, Leon Edwards praised Aspinall’s rise during a Sky Sports interview and criticized Jones’ inactivity. He also predicted a potential return from ‘Bones’ in the future, setting the stage for a massive heavyweight clash fans have long dreamed of.
I’m very happy to see Tom go out there and achieve what he has achieved. I would love to see him and Jon Jones. But we didn’t get to see it. I reckon he would come back though. Let Tom go out there and compete. For me, Jon Jones is the GOAT but at heavyweight, I think you have to edge Tom.
Leon Edwards via Sky Sports
Edwards is currently in a slump after losing his title to Belal Muhammad , followed by another defeat to Sean Brady . Despite setbacks, he’s shown interest in fighting Irish rising star Ian Garry next to revive his career. However, the UFC has yet to confirm the matchup, leaving Edwards’ future uncertain as fans await his next move.
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