The UFC heavyweight division had seemingly turned a new leaf with the injection of some life, after Francis Ngannou’s departure. With Jon Jones finally moving up to the division, many had expected exciting times ahead. That said, things have gone massively on course ever since, with Tom Aspinall emerging as the man to save it all.
For those unaware, former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou made a singular defense of his title against his MMA Factory training partner turned rival Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. Thereafter, upon failing to negotiate new terms with the UFC, Ngannou parted ways with the promotion, leaving his title up for grabs. As such, former title challenger Gane would then face Jon Jones, to determine the undisputed king of the division.
Whilst Jones emerged victorious, the rest of the division seemingly came to life as well, with former champ Stipe Miocic calling for a shot at his old belt. Similarly, new, exciting talent also emerged with the likes of Tom Aspinall, Sergei Pavlovich, and others coming to the fore. However, due to Jones’ prolonged absence, things in the division have seemingly gone stale, and the people have chosen the interim champ to restore it to its former glory.
A look at the messy state of the heavyweight division
With Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic’s highly awaited matchup falling apart at the eleventh hour, the UFC elected to have Tom Aspinal and Sergei Pavlovich contend for the interim heavyweight title at UFC 295. As it turns out, Jones suffered a shoulder injury just weeks leading up to the fight and needed surgery. On the other hand, Miocic, who was promised the legacy matchup also withdrew himself from the interim title contention.
Thus, a new champion was crowned, and the people turned to Aspinall to bring some activity to the division once again. Since then, the 31-year-old has been clamoring for his chance at the undisputed title, only to be shunned by the recovering champion. Moreover, considering Stipe’s frail and vegetative state at 41, his fighting days are well behind him. However, Jones seems adamant that it is the next fight to make.
Tom Aspinall is confirmed to defend heavyweight title on Manchester PPV card at UFC 304 in July. 🇬🇧 🏆
Full Story and opponent: 🔗 comments #UFC304 #UFC pic.twitter.com/m7vnDq15Vn
— MMA UNCENSORED (@MMAUNCENSORED1) April 20, 2024
On the other hand, Tom Aspinall has openly challenged the rest of the division in order to keep things moving. Recognizing Jones’ hesitance to fight, and for good reason, the Englishman is keen to not become yet another ‘Michael Chandler’. Despite a brutal knee injury, Aspinall has shown levels with his activity. Thus, he will once again look to keep the ball rolling against an unnamed contender at UFC 304, in Manchester, UK.
Why is Tom Aspinall the favorite to beat both Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones?
That said, some would suggest that Tom Aspinall is being kept as far away as possible from both Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. With the UFC and Jones keen on protecting their business and a pre-conceived plan, Aspinall will seemingly be left on his own until Jones and Miocic have their fight. Even then, Jon has time and again expressed his wish to skip Aspinall and fight light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira instead.
By now, fans and possibly both Jones and Miocic have realized that Tom Aspinall may just be too much for him. One of the swiftest and hardest-hitting heavyweights, it is safe to say that nobody can hold a candle to the Englishman at the moment. Whilst some may suggest Ciryl Gane, the Frenchman has reportedly turned down the fight on numerous occasions. As for Jones and Miocic, both of them are seemingly past their prime.
I’m in the middle of a pretty clear decision… stick to exact and original plans, and fight the man with all the accolades. Or, completely disregard all of the Stipe training I’ve put in and fight another potential hype train that may not even be around in three years.
I am not…— BONY (@JonnyBones) May 9, 2024
I was talking about retirement after Stipe way before there was an intern champion announced. I would literally be in the same exact position if Sergei would had one. I love how the UK have convinced themselves I’m afraid of their intern champion,opens me up to a whole new fan…
— BONY (@JonnyBones) May 9, 2024
Whilst hardcore fans of ‘Bones’ will argue a case for the 36-year-old, Jones will not be able to find the same success against Tom Aspinall that he did with Gane. Moreover, Aspinall taking out Pavlovich in such a convincing manner, it has further raised his stock. Taking into account all these factors, along with Jon’s consistent disapproval and deliberate evasion of the “potential hype train”, it paints a very telling story.
As such, the fans are convinced that the once great Jon Jones and heavyweight GOAT Stipe Miocic will eventually have to make way for the young lion that is Tom Aspinall. Although many consider his succession and undisputed status as an inevitability, Aspinall still has some work to do. That said, it is only a matter of time before all the above-mentioned parties are once again active and in play.