Tom Aspinol’s journey to the UFC heavyweight championship was not widespread. John Jones deserted the title after almost a 12 months of hehe. After a collection of dominant performances, the British fighter lastly hooked up his title a “indeniable” label. However for Aspinall, the second was not about victory, however a few sense of closure, and maybe a splash of issues that would have been.
Tom Aspinel’s sincere entry: “Like, however I want I might beat John Jones.”
Frankly talking, aspineol didn’t tick the phrases about his coral coronation. In an interview with Adam Catterall, he defined: “I assumed I used to be a champion anyway. I used to be an interim champion, however I actually did not really feel good… I felt much more relieved. Sure, I can combat it once more. Do not get me incorrect.
Tom Aspinall’s rise was fast. In November 2023, he seized the interim heavyweight title in a victory that was knocked out by Sergei Pavlovich after John Jones withdrew from his scheduled protection towards Starp Myosic as a consequence of damage. Most would have been in provisional glory, however Aspinel thought-about it an unfinished enterprise. He defended the interim belt towards Curtis Braides, additional cementing his place, however Jones’ shadows loomed closely.
The world of MMA was ready for an inevitable unified match. Jones returned to motion in late 2024, sending out Myosic and at first look appeared to clear the trail to a collision with Tom Aspinel. However the battle by no means occurred. The negotiations shaking, and UFC President Dana White’s assurances hardly ever put the 2 collectively. As an alternative, followers gained a collection of nasty public encounters and social media interactions. Jones confirmed little enthusiasm for the matchup, and Aspinel revealed that he was chasing the title somewhat than the person.
Then got here Anti-Crimax. In June 2025, John Jones introduced his retirement and left the heavyweight division with no lengthy govt king. The UFC wasted a while and promoted Tom Aspinol to the indeniable champion from tentatively at a press convention in Baku. For Aspinall, the second was extra comforting than elation. That is the bureaucratic ending of a narrative that by no means conveyed the conclusion of an enormous hit.
