As Jon Jones formally retires, Tom Aspinall is promoted to UFC Heavyweight Champion. Who Will Be His First Opponent?

Richard Sellers, PA Legendary two-division champion Jon Jones has officially announced his retirement from mixed martial arts, following months of rumours and divisional stalling. “Jon Jones retired and gave us a call yesterday night. At the post-fight press conference following the UFC Fight Night in Baku, Azerbaijan, White declared that Jon Jones had officially retired. “The UFC heavyweight champion is Tom Aspinall.” Tom Aspinall of England, who was the interim champion, is now the undisputed heavyweight champion as a result of the torch handover. After more than a year of promoting the Jones bout for the complete version of the championship, the 32-year-old Manchester native who has long been viewed as the division’s future will not get to face “Bones,” butWhite was quick to commend Aspinall for his professionalism and perseverance during the heavyweight roster’s painful period of uncertainty. Aspinall was left waiting in the wings as Jones vs. Miocic was postponed several times after he defeated Sergei Pavlovich in just 69 seconds to earn the interim title in November 2023. Therefore, rather than waiting, the Englishman fought Curtis Blaydes, who successfully defended his interim heavyweight title. This is unprecedented and only serves to highlight the chaos the division has been in since Jones took the belt.

 

Dana White remarked, “We’ll make it up to Tom, but I obviously feel bad for him that he lost all that time and money.” “Tom Aspinall is a decent person. He has been amazing with the entire process we have been going through. He’s been prepared to fight him at any time or place and to do this. He says, “I’ll fight anybody,” now. I’ll fight him if you tell me who. Aspinall has performed admirably. He will be a fantastic heavyweight champion for us, and I can’t wait to collaborate with him.Now that Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic are likely out of the running for the title, the UFC has to decide who will take on Aspinall in his first defence. The following names might be the next to take Aspinall’s place across the octagon.

 

Ciryl vs. Aspinall In a heavyweight grudge battle between France and England, Gane undoubtedly writes itself. Somewhere in Europe, it could be the main attraction. But the résumé that is being examined seems dubious. Jones quickly subdued him after Francis Ngannou dominated him on the ground. His most recent struggle was against Volkov, whom Aspinall easily defeated. Additionally, as he continues his foray into the film industry, the Frenchman hasn’t exactly been honing his skills at the gym.A possible superfight against former light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is the wildcard. In addition to having the resume, reputation, and fan base to support a move to try to become a three-weight UFC champion, the Brazilian knockout artist has hinted at a move to heavyweight. Since Aspinall and Pereira are a classic striker-on-striker matchup that could be the main event on any large card in any part of the world, there would be a lot of interest in their matchup.