Tom Aspinall Could Be Ankalaev’s Next Opponent in an Upcoming Fight. This UFC Superfight Could Redefine MMA

Every once in a while, the UFC landscape hints at a potential fight so monumental that it could shift the balance of power in two divisions. Right now, that fight is the possible matchup between Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall and Light Heavyweight Champion Magomed Ankalaev.

Both men sit atop their respective divisions with vastly different journeys yet converging destinies. With Ankalaev publicly revealing a “two-step plan” that may eventually bring him into the Heavyweight ranks, the MMA community is buzzing about a possible showdown with Aspinall. Not only would this be a meeting of two reigning champions, but it could also symbolize the start of a new golden era for the UFC.

In this article, we’ll explore in depth the factors that make Tom Aspinall vs Magomed Ankalaev such a compelling scenario: from styles and skills to historical context, UFC’s promotional strategies, and the legacy implications for both fighters.

The Rise of Tom Aspinall: From Underdog to Heavyweight Champion

Tom Aspinall’s UFC journey has been nothing short of meteoric. Hailing from England, Aspinall’s rapid rise was built on his blend of heavy-handed striking, slick grappling, and composure under pressure. His breakthrough moment came when he dismantled former champions with stunning efficiency, quickly proving he wasn’t just another prospect but a genuine title contender.

When Jon Jones vacated the Heavyweight throne, Aspinall seized the moment. He defeated some of the best the division had to offer, eventually securing the UFC Heavyweight Championship. His reign has been marked not just by his victories, but also by the fresh energy he brings to a division once dominated by larger-than-life figures like Stipe Miocic, Francis Ngannou, and Cain Velasquez.

Magomed Ankalaev: The Silent Destroyer at 205

On the other side of this story stands Magomed Ankalaev, the newly crowned UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. Unlike Aspinall, Ankalaev’s rise was less flashy but equally impressive. Known for his calculated striking, Dagestani discipline, and suffocating pressure, Ankalaev built a reputation as one of the most technically sound fighters in MMA.

He finally claimed the Light Heavyweight belt after defeating Alex Pereira at UFC 313, cementing himself as the man to beat at 205. Now, with his first title defense against Pereira scheduled for UFC 320, Ankalaev has already laid out a roadmap that could see him stepping into the Heavyweight division within two fights.

His target? None other than Tom Aspinall.

Why This Fight Makes Sense for UFC

The Double-Champ Narrative

One of the most powerful storylines in UFC history has been the quest for double-champion status. From Conor McGregor to Daniel Cormier, Amanda Nunes, and Henry Cejudo, the double-champ narrative consistently captivates fans.

Magomed Ankalaev’s ambition to move up to Heavyweight aligns perfectly with this tradition. Facing Tom Aspinall would not only test Ankalaev’s skills at a higher weight class but would also present him with the chance to etch his name into the history books.

Timing and Marketability

From a promotional standpoint, UFC has a golden opportunity. With Jon Jones nearing the twilight of his career, the UFC needs fresh storylines to anchor its biggest pay-per-views. Aspinall vs Ankalaev offers exactly that: two champions in their prime, representing two different styles, colliding for ultimate supremacy.

Moreover, the international appeal is massive. Aspinall brings the European and UK market, while Ankalaev taps into the passionate Russian and Dagestani fanbase. Combined, their clash could generate global buzz on par with some of the UFC’s all-time biggest events.

Style Breakdown: Heavyweight Power vs Light Heavyweight Precision

Tom Aspinall’s Strengths

• Explosive Hands: Aspinall’s knockouts often come early, showing his ability to overwhelm opponents with speed and power.

• Ground Game: Rare for Heavyweights, Aspinall has a polished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu base, making him dangerous on the mat.

• Athleticism: For a man his size, Aspinall moves with remarkable agility, cutting angles and avoiding damage.

Magomed Ankalaev’s Strengths

• Counter-Striking: Ankalaev rarely overextends, waiting patiently for opponents to make mistakes before punishing them.

• Dagestani Wrestling Roots: While not always wrestling-heavy, his grappling base provides him with balance and control.

• Cardio and Composure: Ankalaev is a master of long fights, often dictating pace across five rounds without breaking rhythm.

Clash of Styles

This fight represents the ultimate stylistic clash:

• Aspinall’s size, speed, and finishing ability versus

• Ankalaev’s discipline, counter-striking, and methodical dismantling of opponents.

The question is: can Ankalaev’s precision neutralize Aspinall’s power? Or will the Englishman’s size advantage prove too much for the Dagestani technician?

Historical Context: Champions Moving Up

The idea of a Light Heavyweight moving to Heavyweight is not new. UFC history is filled with legendary moments born from such leaps:

• Daniel Cormier defeated Stipe Miocic to become double-champ.

• Randy Couture moved between divisions, creating iconic championship reigns.

• Jon Jones himself made the move to Heavyweight, instantly claiming gold.

For Ankalaev, following this path would place him in elite company. And facing Aspinall could define whether he’s remembered as simply a champion—or as a legend who dared to test himself against the biggest, strongest fighters in the sport.

The Stakes: What Each Fighter Stands to Gain

For Tom Aspinall

• Validation as the true Heavyweight king. Beating a champion from another division erases any lingering doubts about his legitimacy.

• Legacy growth. Facing and defeating Ankalaev would add to his resume, boosting his status among the all-time greats.

• UFC’s European market anchor. A win over Ankalaev solidifies Aspinall as the face of European MMA.

For Magomed Ankalaev

• Double-champ status. Joining the likes of McGregor and Cormier would immortalize his career.

• A chance to lead the post-Khabib Dagestani era. With Khabib retired, Islam Makhachev ruling Lightweight, and Ankalaev potentially ruling two divisions, Dagestan could dominate the UFC landscape.

• Global recognition. A victory over Aspinall would expand his appeal beyond Russia and into worldwide stardom.

Potential Roadblocks

UFC Scheduling and Injuries

MMA is unpredictable. Injuries, upsets, and scheduling conflicts could derail the matchup. If Aspinall loses to Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, or Ankalaev drops his rematch against Alex Pereira, the stakes shift dramatically.

Contract Negotiations

Superfights often face delays due to negotiations. Both fighters would want fair pay for what could be the biggest fight of their careers. UFC’s willingness to open the checkbook will determine how quickly this fight materializes.

Fan Expectations and Hype

Fans are already buzzing about the possibility of Aspinall vs Ankalaev. MMA forums, Twitter debates, and YouTube breakdowns are filled with speculation about how the fight would play out. The narrative of “precision vs power, Heavyweight vs Light Heavyweight, UK vs Dagestan” is tailor-made for hype.

Legacy Implications

This fight could be more than just a title defense. It could redefine the legacy of both men:

• If Aspinall wins, he becomes the man who stopped a two-division dream, cementing himself as the most dominant Heavyweight of his era.

• If Ankalaev wins, he etches his name alongside the legends who conquered multiple divisions, solidifying Dagestan’s stranglehold on the sport.

Conclusion: The Fight That Could Shape the Future of UFC

The potential showdown between Tom Aspinall and Magomed Ankalaev is not just about belts—it’s about history, legacy, and the evolution of two divisions. Aspinall’s explosive rise and Ankalaev’s calculated dominance are on a collision course, and UFC fans worldwide are watching closely.

While the fight isn’t officially booked yet, the pieces are falling into place. If Ankalaev can defend his Light Heavyweight title twice and Aspinall continues to reign supreme at Heavyweight, the UFC will have no choice but to deliver the superfight fans crave.

One thing is clear: Tom Aspinall vs Magomed Ankalaev could become one of the defining moments of this decade in mixed martial arts.