Tom Aspinall the UFC interim heavyweight champion has continued his campaign of calling for undisputed. A few weeks ago Aspinall defended his interim championship against Curtis Blaydes. Aspinall as with all his opponents went through him like a hot knife through butter. And in the post fight interview Aspinall rightfully called out Jon Jones who currently hold the full title. Aspinall has continued his campaign of calling for gold in an interview with MMA Fighting.
Tom Aspinall Demands Undisputed
In the interview Tom said, “I don’t know what’s happening, that’s kind of out of my hands. All I know is my next fight’s going to be for an undisputed title. That’s it I won’t do anything else”. Here he makes it clear he wants the undisputed fight next and rightfully so. And he may get it despite Dana insisting on Jones vs Stipe he has said the winner will fight the winner of Aspinall vs Blaydes. And Aspinall won so it appears he’ll get the shot. Or if the winner of Jones vs Miocic retires then Aspinall will get the belt by default.
Aspinall went on to say, “My next fight, I’ll fight anybody as always, as I’ve done throughout my whole career — you can ask any of the UFC matchmakers that — but right now, I’m the best UFC heavyweight in the world and I’m fighting for an undisputed title next.”. So he’s not really fussed on who he faces just the belt. This is probably a better position to take rather than facing Jon given he likely will retire after the Stipe fight.
Aspinall in regards to being a backup fighter said “Yep, I’ll be there. I’ll do that” and how “I’d fight them guys on an hour’s notice if they needed me to.”. This is also a smart position to take. White has already said he’ll happily have Aspinall as the back up fighter. And given, Stipes age and Jones recent injury the probability of one fighter not making it to fight night is pretty high. So, Tom volunteering himself as a back up gives Tom a decent shot at fighting for the belt. And historically fighters who have volunteered to be back ups in title fights have gotten the shot next.
Tom Rates His Chances
Aspinall also rated his chances against Jones and Stipe. He said, “Listen, I could beat both of these guys, no problem. If I’ve got to do it on a day’s notice, I can do it. Easily. So I’ll be there and savor the opportunity if it presents itself.”. And it’s hard not to believe him given the recent form of Jones or Stipe. Stipe in his last fight against Ngannou was chinned quickly and hasn’t fought since. Jones prior to the Gane fight hadn’t looked great arguably losing to Dominick Reyes.
Aspinall is the new generation of heavyweight personified. He is very well rounded, very athletic, and fights cerebrally. Stylistically Tom causes both Jones and Stipe fits. And Tom has only looked impressive his one loss in the UFC was due to injury. And so his confidence is not baseless. Aspinall has also proven how he can still perform on short notice as seen in the Pavlovich fight. Even in not ideal circumstances Aspinall is still a threat.
Aspinall also said, “I am the best,” Aspinall said. “I beat all the contenders. That means I’m the best. To me, that means I’m the best. You beat all the contenders, you’re the best in the world, and that’s it.”. And again he’s not wrong if we’re going off of number of top contenders beaten recently he trumps Jones and Stipe. Jones beat Gane who although is a top heavyweight was a great stylistic match up and Stipe hasn’t beaten a contender in years. So, when says he’s the best it’s very hard to disagree.
Hopefully we’ll see Tom get his undisputed fight he deserves it. The man has ran through heavyweight in impressive fashion and beaten most of the top of the division. If the undisputed champion was anyone else other than Jones they’d likely be stripped and Tom would be fighting for undisputed or be elevated. We shall see what the future holds for Tom Aspinall.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
