Tom Aspinall’s First Title Defense: Who Will Challenge the New Heavyweight King?

By Ali Hammad July 08, 2025 21:12

Tom Aspinall’s ascension to undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion marks a pivotal moment in mixed martial arts. With Jon Jones’s retirement announced in June 2025, Aspinall who held the interim heavyweight title for a record 535 days has been officially crowned the undisputed king of the division. At 32 years old, the Englishman is poised to usher in a new era for the heavyweight class, one defined by his finishing ability and relentless activity.

Aspinall’s rise has been meteoric. Known for his explosive finishes, he holds the UFC record for the shortest average fight time at just two minutes and two seconds, with six of his eight UFC wins ending before the halfway point of the first round. His knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich in November 2023 to claim the interim belt, followed by a first-round knockout of Curtis Blaydes in July 2024 to defend it, showcased his lethal striking and grappling skills. Now, as the undisputed champion, Aspinall is eager to prove his dominance with multiple title defenses.

“I’ve wasted enough time now,” Aspinall told Diary of a CEO in late June 2025. “I’m hoping to fight twice this year. We’re looking to get a fight booked quickly, and I want to fight at the end of the year as well”. His ambition is clear: to clean out the heavyweight top ten within the next 12 months, having already defeated six of the current top contenders.

Potential Challengers:

The heavyweight division is loaded with talent, but a few names stand out as the most likely and marketable first challengers for Aspinall’s belt.

Ciryl Gane:: The French striker remains the most logical and lucrative opponent. Despite a recent contentious decision win over Alexander Volkov, Gane’s technical striking and movement make him a stylistic challenge for Aspinall. An England vs. France matchup would be a massive draw, and UFC President Dana White has hinted that a fight between Aspinall and Gane could headline a major event, possibly in Europe. Gane’s experience and tactical approach contrast well with Aspinall’s aggressive style, promising an exciting clash.
Jailton Almeida: The Brazilian heavyweight has been quietly climbing the ranks and is considered one of the most underrated fighters in the division. Known for his grappling prowess and relentless pressure, Almeida presents a stylistic test that could expose different facets of Aspinall’s game. His call for a title shot has been loud and clear, and the UFC reportedly views him as a valuable addition to the heavyweight title picture.
Sergei Pavlovich: Though previously defeated by Aspinall, Pavlovich remains a dangerous knockout artist. A rematch could be on the table if Pavlovich strings together a few impressive wins, keeping the heavyweight division competitive and unpredictable.

Aspinall’s Approach and Outlook:

Aspinall’s camp has emphasized his desire to remain active and dominate the division quickly. After a period of inactivity due to Jon Jones’s hold on the title, Aspinall is motivated to make up for lost time. “I want to beat all ten of the top guys,” he declared in a recent interview, highlighting his confidence and hunger.

His father and longtime coach has expressed some frustration with the UFC’s handling of the division during Jones’s tenure, but Aspinall himself is focused on the future and the opportunity to define his legacy. With a blend of striking, submission skills, and athleticism, Aspinall is uniquely equipped to handle the diverse challenges the heavyweight division presents.

Tom Aspinall’s first title defense will set the tone for his reign as UFC Heavyweight Champion. Whether it’s Ciryl Gane’s technical finesse, Jailton Almeida’s grappling aggression, or another emerging contender, the division is ripe with challengers eager to dethrone the new king. Aspinall’s ambition to fight multiple times this year and clear the top ten signals a thrilling period ahead for heavyweight fans.

As UFC CEO Dana White put it, “Aspinall is the champion now, and we’re ready to build the heavyweight division around him.” The heavyweight crown is in new hands and the fight for supremacy is just beginning.