UFC heavyweight division heats up: Aspinall confirms fight schedule for Octagon return

The UFC heavyweight division is once again heating up—and Tom Aspinall is determined to light the fire. After months of uncertainty and an absentee champion in Jon Jones, the British powerhouse has finally revealed that he has a “date and location” for his next UFC fight, sending shockwaves through MMA fandom and intensifying speculation about what comes next for the division.

As the interim heavyweight champion, Aspinall has done everything asked of him and more—dispatching top contenders and staying active while Jones sat on the sidelines. Now, it seems he’s had enough of the waiting game and is ready to move forward—with or without the man many call the greatest of all time.

The State of the Heavyweight Division: Stalled No More?

Since Jon Jones withdrew from his original 2023 title bout with Stipe Miocic due to injury, the heavyweight division has languished in uncertainty. Aspinall stepped up on short notice, took on the monstrous Sergei Pavlovich, and scored a first-round knockout to claim the interim UFC heavyweight title in emphatic fashion.

That victory could have served as a launchpad for a unification bout with Jones. Instead, the American legend chose to return in November 2024 to face Miocic—a fight that many saw as a legacy bout rather than a relevant title defense. Jones stopped the former champion in the third round, solidifying his grip on the undisputed title, but ducking the rising star from Wigan, England in the process.

Tom Aspinall Frustrated With Jones’ Silence

Now, Tom Aspinall appears done with waiting for Jones to step up. Speaking on June 2 during a conversation with former champions Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, the Brit dropped a major hint.

“You guys are gonna see really soon,” said Aspinall. “This is exciting times for the heavyweight division, man. We get some movement.”

Fans were immediately abuzz. Was Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall finally happening? Or had the UFC and Aspinall decided to move on from Jones entirely?

“I’ve got a date and a location,” Aspinall added confidently. “The active heavyweight champion is here to fight them all.”

Is Jon Jones Retired? Aspinall Thinks So

While Aspinall stopped short of naming his opponent, he made it clear that Jon Jones is no longer on his radar.

“Jon’s retired. What are you talking about, guys? The guy’s living his best life… We move on, we move on,” he said. “I’m the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. I’m ready to take on all comers.”

This isn’t just frustration—it’s a declaration. Tom Aspinall sees himself as the real champion, regardless of whether the UFC recognizes it officially. And given Jones’ inactivity, his sentiment resonates with many fans and fighters alike.

Jon Jones: A GOAT in Limbo

Jones, 38, is undeniably one of MMA’s most dominant athletes. With a record of 27-1 (1 NC), his only official loss came via disqualification back in 2009. Since then, Jones has defeated a who’s-who of former champions and contenders across two divisions.

But his career has also been plagued by failed drug tests, arrests, and long periods of inactivity. After moving up to heavyweight, he finally made his debut in March 2023, quickly submitting Ciryl Gane to win the vacant title.

Injury then forced him out of the Pavlovich-Aspinall card, and his only fight since has been the Miocic bout—a fight against an aging legend rather than the division’s most dangerous contender.

“The contenders are getting sick of it, everybody’s getting sick of it, even the fans are getting sick of this stuff,” Aspinall said. “It’s time to move on.”

Aspinall’s Meteoric Rise

While Jones has stalled, Tom Aspinall’s star has only risen.

At 32, the British fighter holds a 15-3 record, with an astonishing 8-1 mark in the UFC. His lone loss in the promotion came via injury just seconds into a bout against Curtis Blaydes in 2022. When they rematched in July 2024, Aspinall scored a 60-second KO, avenging the setback in style.

That win followed his stunning performance against Pavlovich, making it clear that Aspinall is the most active, dangerous, and dynamic heavyweight on the roster today.

His UFC finishes speak volumes:

• Seven wins in Round 1

• Two wins inside the first minute

• Fastest average fight time of any fighter with five or more UFC bouts

Aspinall has the rare blend of boxing precision, wrestling chops, and submission skills—a true modern heavyweight.

Will Aspinall Fight for the Undisputed Title Next?

With Jones silent and possibly retired, the UFC faces a critical decision: Will they strip Jon Jones and elevate Aspinall to undisputed champion, or will they continue to drag out the “interim” charade?

Aspinall, for his part, is moving forward like he already holds the crown.

“Nobody’s fought for so long, like, this is crazy,” he said. “They’ve got a guy holding it up—that’s old news.”

That comment is a thinly veiled jab at Jones, and an assertion that Aspinall’s time is now.

If not Jones, potential opponents include:

• Ciryl Gane (coming off a strong bounce-back win)

• Jailton Almeida (a grappling phenom climbing the ranks)

• Sergei Pavlovich (a possible rematch)

• Curtis Blaydes (again, though less likely after the recent KO)

Fans React to Aspinall’s Update

As soon as Aspinall dropped his “date and location” tease, social media exploded.

• “Aspinall vs Gane in October? Take my money,” tweeted one fan.

• “Jones ducked this man for a year. It’s embarrassing,” wrote another.

• “If Tom wins again, just give him the undisputed title already. We all know who the real champ is.”

Others defended Jones, noting his long career and multiple defenses at light heavyweight. Still, the consensus is growing: the heavyweight division needs new life, and Aspinall is the man to bring it.

What Comes Next: October or Bust?

With the UFC calendar already filled through September—including international cards and numbered pay-per-views—Aspinall’s fight is likely targeted for October or November. Whether it headlines UFC 307 or a U.K.-centric Fight Night card remains to be seen.

What is certain is this: Tom Aspinall is fighting again soon, and he’s doing it with or without Jon Jones.

The implications are massive:

• A win could solidify his claim to the undisputed belt.

• A dominant performance could force the UFC to strip Jones.

• Fans and fighters will finally get the movement they’ve been begging for.

Final Thoughts: The People’s Heavyweight Champion

With charisma, humility, and devastating skills, Tom Aspinall has become the people’s champion—a fighter who stays active, respects the game, and isn’t afraid to speak his mind.

By contrast, Jon Jones may soon be remembered less for his greatness and more for what he didn’t do in the twilight of his career: fight Tom Aspinall.

Whether Jones ever steps into the Octagon again or not, Aspinall is ready to carry the division forward.

“Let’s get it on,” he said. “The active heavyweight champion is here to fight them all.”

And based on everything we know, that fight is coming soon.