Aspinall Begins His Reign at UFC 321
At UFC 321 on October 25, the heavyweight division will officially launch the era of Tom Aspinall. His lengthy tenure as interim UFC champion concluded in June with the retirement of Jon Jones, the former heavyweight champion. Consequently, Aspinall was elevated to undisputed champion, allowing him to resume his career after a 13-month hiatus.
Jones’ Teased Return to Fighting
While Jon Jones has stepped away from MMA, he was soon drawn back by the exciting possibility of fighting at a proposed UFC event in the White House next year. He appeared at the ESPYs shortly after his retirement announcement to express interest in returning to the octagon, specifically aiming to compete in Washington, D.C.
Dana White’s Hesitation
However, UFC CEO Dana White dismissed the idea, highlighting concerns over Jones’ reliability as a former champion. Aspinall, who became the interim champion shortly before Jones’ retirement, is no longer focused on the prospect of a matchup with him, instead turning his attention to his upcoming opponent, Ciryl Gane.
Aspinall’s Mindset on the Future
“It’s just boring. I don’t want to talk about it,” Aspinall stated regarding Jones’ comments during an appearance on “The Ariel Helwani Show.” He emphasized that his sole focus is on defeating Gane over the next ten weeks and dismissed any past discussions as irrelevant.
Future Matchups and Aspirations
Looking ahead, should Jones decide to make a return, it could potentially open the door for a future fight against Aspinall, particularly if he remains champion by July 2026. However, Aspinall is not dwelling on fantasies about such an event at the White House, claiming he has zero interest in it.
Addressing External Pressures
Despite comments from Gane’s coach regarding heightened pressure on him to succeed, Aspinall remains unfazed. “I thrive under pressure,” he asserted, showcasing confidence drawn from his extensive experience in martial arts. He believes that performance levels rise significantly when the stakes are high.
Ultimately, Aspinall is ready to face any opponent, stating, “I’m here to fight everybody and anybody.” As he gears up for the bout against Gane, he expresses eagerness to tackle any challenges that come his way, reinforcing his dedication to the sport.
