UFC interim titles aren’t precisely uncommon, however hardly ever are these belts ever defended.
At UFC 304, Tom Aspinall grew to become simply the third interim champion in UFC historical past to defend that title, becoming a member of Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Renan Barao who confronted comparable conditions prior to now. Previous to Aspinall dispatching Curtis Blaydes in simply 60 seconds at UFC 304, the final time an interim title was defended was Barao all the way in which again in 2013.
In Barao’s case, he was caught ready for an injured Dominick Cruz to return, however Cruz by no means did in a well timed vogue so the Brazilian was ultimately simply declared the undisputed champ. For Aspinall, he’s largely holding onto the interim title as a result of reigning UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones was injured with torn pectoral muscle, however maybe extra importantly now, it’s that Jones’ subsequent combat probably is available in November in opposition to Stipe Miocic.
Whereas Aspinall didn’t blink when UFC requested him to face Blaydes in July, he’s merely not serious about changing into the longest reigning interim champion in promotional historical past. That’s why Aspinall is throwing down the gauntlet in terms of his subsequent combat — and he’s not involved as a lot about who he’s going through, however quite what is on the road.
“I don’t know what’s occurring [next],” Aspinall informed MMA Combating. “That’s sort of out of my palms. All I do know is my subsequent combat’s going to be for an undisputed title. That’s it. I received’t do the rest.
“My subsequent combat, I’ll combat anyone as all the time, as I’ve finished all through my entire profession — you possibly can ask any of the UFC matchmakers that — however proper now, I’m one of the best UFC heavyweight on this planet and I’m combating for an undisputed title subsequent.”
Following UFC 304, UFC CEO Dana White stated the promotion could be loopy to not have Aspinall set because the backup fighter for the Jones vs. Miocic bout anticipated later this 12 months.
Whereas some fighters have bristled at taking over a backup position quite than simply getting a title combat, don’t rely Aspinall amongst them. At this level, he can’t think about a single situation the place he would again down from the possibility to face Jones or Miocic within the octagon.
“Yep, I’ll be there. I’ll do this,” Aspinall stated about being the backup fighter. “I’d combat them guys on an hour’s discover in the event that they wanted me to.
“Hear, I may beat each of those guys, no downside. If I’ve received to do it on a day’s discover, I can do it. Simply. So I’ll be there and savor the chance if it presents itself.”
Aspinall isn’t cocky however quite assured within the work he’s proven all through his UFC profession to place himself ready to develop into the undisputed heavyweight champion.
He might need to share part of UFC’s heavyweight championships with Jones proper now, however Aspinall has zero doubts he’s one of the best whatever the interim tag affixed to his belt.
“I’m one of the best,” Aspinall stated. “I beat all of the contenders. Meaning I’m one of the best. To me, which means I’m one of the best. You beat all of the contenders, you’re one of the best on this planet, and that’s it.”
