As the latter half of 2025 approaches, interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is focused solely on moving forward and upward.
While the top heavyweight in MMA still awaits his first bout of the year, indications suggest Aspinall will soon have an opponent scheduled. Aspinall is keen to compete again, whether against UFC champion Jon Jones or another contender, and it seems he has the backing of UFC CEO Dana White.
After UFC 316 last Saturday, White commented on the persistent Jones-Aspinall scenario. Although he admitted not being fully updated on all the details, he stated unequivocally that Aspinall is “the guy” and expressed his continued desire to arrange a heavyweight championship unification match.
Aspinall expressed satisfaction upon hearing he has the support of the UFC head.
“I believe many interpret my statements as media maneuvering,” Aspinall remarked on his YouTube channel. “Let me be clear, I don`t engage in such tactics. When I speak, my information is well-founded.”
“As I`ve mentioned before, this isn`t my area to discuss,” he continued. “It`s above my pay grade; I don`t announce fights, UFC news, or anything similar. However, something is certainly on the horizon. Dana White calls me `his man,` which is great. I plan to validate that claim very soon, so expect news.”
Recently, Jones posted a series of tweets where he continued to downplay Aspinall as a potential opponent. He also commented on rumors that former UFC champion Francis Ngannou might consider returning to the promotion if conditions were favorable. Jones described a fight against Ngannou as “a real superfight” and “a clash of champions, not just hype.”
While White dismissed the possibility of Ngannou`s return, Aspinall still contemplated a potential matchup against the PFL star, who left the UFC while still holding its championship belt.
“I`ve repeatedly said that the moment I start avoiding fights, declining opponents, or similar actions, will be the day I retire,” Aspinall stated. “As I`ve consistently said, and you can verify this with any promoter I`ve worked with or anyone at the UFC, I am willing to fight anyone, at any time, and anywhere. I have never declined a fight in my career, and I never will.”
“The day I even consider turning down fights is the day I will retire,” he concluded. “Therefore, to answer the question directly, I will fight whomever the UFC wants me to fight.”