Ali Akbar Rosady
Tom Aspinall, the newly crowned undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, has articulated a clear intent to move past the protracted narrative surrounding Jon Jones, expressing a singular focus on his upcoming title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. The British heavyweight has spent a significant period navigating the complexities of the division’s championship picture, largely overshadowed by Jones’s presence and subsequent retirement. As Aspinall prepares for his first defense of the undisputed belt, he aims to definitively close that chapter.
"I’m over it," Aspinall stated in an interview with CBS Sports, reflecting a sentiment of finality regarding the Jones saga. "I’m definitely over it." This declaration underscores a shift in perspective for Aspinall, who has consistently voiced a desire for activity and legitimate competition within the sport. His journey to undisputed status was marked by an arduous two-year pursuit of a fight with Jones, a quest that ultimately proved fruitless due to Jones’s strategic maneuvers and eventual retirement.
Jones, widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, made his highly anticipated transition to the heavyweight division in 2023, capturing the vacant undisputed title by submitting Ciryl Gane in the first round at UFC 285 in March of that year. Following this victory, Jones was slated to defend his title against former two-time champion Stipe Miocic, a fight initially booked for UFC 295 in November 2023. This booking set the stage for much of the subsequent divisional drama.
However, a torn pectoral muscle forced Jones to withdraw from the UFC 295 main event, creating an immediate vacancy at the top of the card. Aspinall, who had been steadily rising through the heavyweight ranks with a professional record then standing at 13 wins and 3 losses, stepped in on short notice to face Sergei Pavlovich for the interim heavyweight championship. Pavlovich, known for his devastating knockout power and an impressive six-fight first-round knockout streak, presented a formidable challenge. Aspinall, showcasing his own formidable striking and agility, dispatched Pavlovich via a vicious TKO in just 69 seconds, claiming the interim title and solidifying his position as a top contender. This victory at UFC 295 not only provided a thrilling main event but also positioned Aspinall as the clear next in line for a unification bout with Jones.
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Despite Aspinall holding the interim title, the UFC opted to re-book the Jones vs. Miocic undisputed championship fight, pushing it to a later date. This decision effectively bypassed a potential unification bout with Aspinall, a move that drew criticism from segments of the MMA community and heightened Aspinall’s frustration. Jones, during this period, frequently downplayed Aspinall’s legitimacy as a threat, often suggesting other matchups or "super fights" against fighters like Derrick Lewis or Jamahal Hill, rather than acknowledging the interim champion’s claim.
The highly anticipated showdown between Jones and Miocic eventually materialized at UFC 309. Miocic, aged 42 and returning from a four-and-a-half-year layoff since his last fight in March 2021, appeared to struggle with the layoff and Jones’s tactical prowess. Jones secured a decisive victory via body shot knockout, retaining his undisputed title. This outcome, while confirming Jones’s dominance, did little to clarify the path for Aspinall.
The situation took an unexpected turn shortly after UFC 309. Without prior warning, Jon Jones announced his retirement from mixed martial arts and subsequently vacated the undisputed heavyweight title in June. This decision, which Aspinall reportedly learned simultaneously with the general public, abruptly cleared the divisional logjam. "I actually found out the same time you did, believe it or not," Aspinall commented on the news of Jones’s retirement. His immediate reaction underscored his primary objective: "We finally get to fight then. Let’s move on."
Throughout the often-turbulent period, Aspinall maintained a respectful, yet persistent, approach. While he famously displayed a rubber duck during a UFC broadcast to playfully insinuate Jones was "ducking" him, his interactions remained largely professional. When presented with the opportunity to meet Jones in person, Aspinall’s engagement was characterized by a polite request for the championship opportunity he believed he had earned, rather than engaging in the typical pre-fight animosity often seen in high-stakes matchups. "I didn’t actively have an idea of how I’d approach it. I approached it in my usual way," Aspinall explained. "I guess that’s just the way I am. I don’t know. I didn’t try to do anything. I was doing things the only way I know how, which is by being myself." This measured demeanor contrasted sharply with the more polarizing public persona of Jon Jones, who has faced criticism for various career decisions and out-of-cage incidents.
Aspinall’s journey to the undisputed title included the distinction of being one of only four fighters in UFC history to successfully defend an interim championship, a feat he accomplished by defeating Curtis Blaydes. While commendable, these achievements also served as constant reminders of the interim status he sought to transcend. The elevation to undisputed champion, albeit by default, represents a pivotal moment in his career, allowing him to forge his own legacy unencumbered by the shadow of the Jones narrative.
With the heavyweight division’s top prize now firmly in his grasp, Aspinall’s focus is entirely on establishing an active and dominant championship reign. His first test as the undisputed champion will be against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. Gane, a former interim heavyweight champion himself, holds a professional record of 12 wins and 2 losses. Known for his exceptional striking, footwork, and athleticism for a heavyweight, Gane has faced the division’s elite, including Francis Ngannou for the undisputed title at UFC 270, where he lost a closely contested unanimous decision. His subsequent interim title victory over Tai Tuivasa at UFC Fight Night 209 showcased his ability to overcome adversity and finish opponents. Gane’s last outing was the aforementioned undisputed title loss to Jon Jones at UFC 285, a defeat that occurred in his home country of France and ended swiftly via submission. This upcoming bout with Aspinall represents a critical juncture for Gane, offering him an immediate opportunity to reclaim championship status and dispel any lingering doubts about his ability to perform at the highest level, particularly after his performance against Jones. The fight carries significant implications for both fighters: Aspinall seeking to validate his undisputed reign, and Gane looking to re-establish himself at the pinnacle of the division.
Aspinall has articulated a clear vision for his future as champion. "I just want to fight. I want to be as active as possible. I’m going to fight as frequently as I can," he stated, outlining an ambitious goal of competing three times within the next 12 months. "I don’t know how that’ll look because you never know what life will throw your way. But I want to get back to what I do, and what I do is fight people." This commitment to activity signals Aspinall’s intention to define his championship era through performance and consistent competition, moving beyond the political and promotional complexities that characterized his pursuit of Jon Jones. The upcoming defense against Ciryl Gane will serve as the first tangible step in establishing this new chapter of his career, cementing his status as a fighting champion intent on building a legacy through sustained excellence in the Octagon.
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