UFC interim titles aren’t exactly rare, but rarely are those belts ever defended.
At UFC 304, Tom Aspinall became just the third interim champion in UFC history to defend that title, joining Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira and Renan Barao who faced similar situations in the past. Prior to Aspinall dispatching Curtis Blaydes in just 60 seconds at UFC 304, the last time an interim title was defended was Barao all the way back in 2013.
In Barao’s case, he was stuck waiting for an injured Dominick Cruz to return, but Cruz never did in a timely fashion so the Brazilian was eventually just declared the undisputed champ. For Aspinall, he’s largely holding onto the interim title because reigning UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones was injured with torn pectoral muscle, but perhaps more importantly now, it’s that Jones’ next fight most likely comes in November against Stipe Miocic.
While Aspinall didn’t blink when UFC asked him to face Blaydes in July, he’s simply not interested in becoming the longest reigning interim champion in promotional history. That’s why Aspinall is throwing down the gauntlet when it comes to his next fight — and he’s not concerned as much about who he’s facing, but rather what is on the line.
“I don’t know what’s happening [next],” Aspinall told MMA Fighting. “That’s kind of out of my hands. All I know is my next fight’s going to be for an undisputed title. That’s it. I won’t do anything else.
“My next fight, I’ll fight anybody as always, as I’ve done throughout my whole career — you can ask any of the UFC matchmakers that — but right now, I’m the best UFC heavyweight in the world and I’m fighting for an undisputed title next.”
Following UFC 304, UFC CEO Dana White said the promotion would be crazy not to have Aspinall set as the backup fighter for the Jones vs. Miocic bout expected later this year.
While some fighters have bristled at taking on a backup role rather than just getting a title fight, don’t count Aspinall among them. At this point, he can’t imagine a single scenario where he would back down from the chance to face Jones or Miocic in the octagon.
“Yep, I’ll be there. I’ll do that,” Aspinall said about being the backup fighter. “I’d fight them guys on an hour’s notice if they needed me to.
“Listen, I could beat both of these guys, no problem. If I’ve got to do it on a day’s notice, I can do it. Easily. So I’ll be there and savor the opportunity if it presents itself.”
Aspinall isn’t cocky but rather confident in the work he’s shown throughout his UFC career to put himself in a position to become the undisputed heavyweight champion.
He may have to share a part of UFC’s heavyweight championships with Jones right now, but Aspinall has zero doubts he’s the best regardless of the interim tag affixed to his belt.
“I am the best,” Aspinall said. “I beat all the contenders. That means I’m the best. To me, that means I’m the best. You beat all the contenders, you’re the best in the world, and that’s it.”
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