Tom Aspinall confirms he will be a replacement for Jones vs. Miocic and promises big plans for future UFC fights

Tom aspinall with the interim belt at UFC 304 (Photo: Instagram)

the future of Tom aspinall and the heavyweight category (120,2 kg) are two of the most debated topics in the MMA community. The Englishman was chosen as a reserve for the fight that defines the division champion at UFC 309, scheduled for November 16, at Madison Square Garden.

Aspinall is the current holder of the interim heavyweight belt and had been considered as a replacement for the fight between Jon Jones e Stipe Miocic, which will define the linear champion of the division. The Englishman told Ariel Helwani, on the program 'Uncrowned', that he is, in fact, scheduled as a reserve, although he believes he will not be called upon.

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“I mean, Dana White announced it a while ago, but I hadn’t really heard anything from the UFC. Now we’ve finally spoken, and everything is going well. We’ve come to an agreement on it. I’ll be ready on November 16th if I’m needed. But to be honest, my gut tells me I won’t be needed,” said the Brit.

Although Aspinall is tipped as the next challenger for the linear belt, he is still waiting for the outcome of the fight between Jones and Miocic. The man himself Jon Jones suggested that he may retire after the UFC 309, and many fans believe Miocic can do the same. Aspinall said the UFC is prepared for different scenarios.

“If one wants to retire, the other wants to continue, or if both want to retire, we have all the bases covered. We have plans, plans for future fights, everything is in place. It’s going to be a very good few years, believe me. Big plans, huge plans. I can’t detail everything for you!”, revealed the interim champion.

UFC 309: Jones vs. Miocic

Jon Jones, considered the greatest light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) in UFC history, moved up to the heavyweight category and won the belt by submitting Ciryl Gane in March 2023. Since then, Jones has remained inactive and is now preparing to defend his title against Stipe Miocic No. UFC 309. The fight will take place one year after the original clash was cancelled due to a chest injury suffered by the champion.

The absence of Jones and Miocic on the occasion made room for Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich. The Englishman knocked out Pavlovich in the first round and became interim champion. Since then, Aspinall, 31, has defended the title with another knockout, this time over Curtis blaydes, in July.