Interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has suggested that details for his next bout are finalised, telling fans he now has a “date and location” for his return to the Octagon.
The British fighter, 32, made the comments during a conversation with former UFC champions Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, amid continued speculation over a potential showdown with Jon Jones.
“This is exciting times for the heavyweight division,” Aspinall said. “I’ve got a date and a location. The active heavyweight champion is here to fight them all – let’s get it on.”
Aspinall won the interim title in November 2023 with a first-round knockout of Sergei Pavlovich.
The bout was hastily arranged after Jon Jones withdrew from a title defence against Stipe Miocic due to injury.
Aspinall later defended the interim belt with a 60-second knockout of Curtis Blaydes in July, becoming one of few UFC fighters to risk defending a provisional title.
Jones returned to action in November, stopping Miocic in the third round to retain the full heavyweight title. However, the 38-year-old has yet to commit to a unification bout with Aspinall and has since fuelled retirement rumours.
“Jon’s retired,” Aspinall added. “What are you talking about, guys? He’s had a fantastic career... but we move on. I’m the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.”
With the UFC schedule already filled through September, Aspinall’s next fight appears most likely to take place in October or later.
His comments have been interpreted as confirmation that he has reached an agreement with the UFC for a future bout, although an opponent has not been announced.
Aspinall boasts a 15-3 record in MMA and is 8-1 in the UFC. All of his UFC victories have come by stoppage, with seven of them ending in the first round.
His only loss in the promotion was the result of a knee injury against Blaydes in 2022.
Despite being widely regarded as one of the sport’s greatest athletes, Jones's career has been marred by legal issues and multiple failed drug tests.
He remains undefeated in competition, with his only official loss coming via disqualification in 2009.
As the heavyweight division seeks renewed momentum, Aspinall’s active approach has positioned him as a central figure in shaping its future.
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