The MMA world is reeling after Tom Aspinall’s bombshell announcement that he will not defend his UFC interim heavyweight title again, demanding a shot at the undisputed belt. Following his dominant defense against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, Aspinall made his stance clear on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, stating, “My next fight has to be for the undisputed title!” This bold move has sent shockwaves through the UFC, with fans buzzing on social media about the interim champ’s refusal to wait in Jon Jones’ shadow.
UFC CEO Dana White, while initially resistant, hinted at a potential Jones vs. Aspinall clash, saying, “It’s going to happen,” during a TNT Sports interview. However, White emphasized Jones’ legacy fight with Stipe Miocic, leaving Aspinall’s future uncertain. Meanwhile, former featherweight champ Ilia Topuria weighed in on Joe Rogan’s JRE MMA Show, questioning Aspinall’s stamina in a five-round war against Jones: “We don’t know how he’ll look in the fourth or fifth rounds.”
Aspinall’s frustration stems from Jones’ reluctance to face him, with the undisputed champ prioritizing fights against Miocic or Alex Pereira. Fans on X are divided, with some praising Aspinall’s stand and others speculating he risks being stripped of the interim title. As UFC 316 approaches, all eyes are on whether Aspinall will get his unification bout or face another delay. Can the British star force Dana White’s hand, or will Jones dictate the division’s future? The heavyweight saga intensifies!
