UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is familiar with being sidelined from competition. However, his current period of inactivity presents a different challenge, as there is no set date for his potential return to the octagon.
Aspinall`s only loss in the UFC occurred on July 23, 2022. His main event bout against Curtis Blaydes in London ended just fifteen seconds in when Aspinall suffered a knee injury. This injury halted his rapid climb through the heavyweight ranks. It took him nearly a full year to make his comeback, which he did successfully with a 73-second knockout victory over Marcin Tybura. In his very next fight, Aspinall defeated Sergei Pavlovich even faster to claim the interim heavyweight championship.
Since winning the interim title, Aspinall has successfully defended it once, avenging his earlier loss to Blaydes in July. He has also been vocal about his desire to fight the undisputed champion, Jon Jones. Jones, a former light heavyweight king, captured the vacant heavyweight title by defeating Ciryl Gane after Francis Ngannou`s departure from the UFC. He subsequently defended his belt against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, an event that was postponed by a year due to an injury sustained by Jones in their original booking.
Speaking with Demetrious Johnson on the *MightyCast*, Aspinall contrasted his current inactive state with the year he spent recovering from his knee injury.
Aspinall explained that while the initial phase of his injury recovery was mentally tough, having clear, tangible goals provided a path forward. Doctors and physical therapists would give him specific tasks and milestones to work towards, such as reaching certain squat depths, performing jumps, or completing specific running distances within set timeframes. This structured approach, with constant small goals, made the recovery process manageable once he was able to return to the gym after the initial couple of months of being inactive. He felt motivated by these benchmarks and grew determined to return, fight injury-free, and pursue the heavyweight championship.
While recovering from the MCL and meniscus injuries, Aspinall knew the path back would be long, but it was clearly marked with specific objectives. In stark contrast, his wait for a potential fight against Jon Jones has now extended beyond a year, despite the widespread expectation that the undisputed champion would welcome a unification bout against the interim titleholder.
That anticipated fight has not yet materialized.
“Now, I’ve been almost a year inactive with no prospects of anything apart from wait,” Aspinall stated. He finds this current period mentally more challenging than the injury layoff. During recovery, he had constant goals set by medical professionals – `In two weeks, this is what I want you doing…` or `in two months I can start grappling.` These provided consistent targets. Now, he is simply instructed to `Just be ready and we’ll just let you know.`
“It’s kind of difficult mentally,” he admitted, viewing this waiting period as part of the challenge of a potential Jon Jones fight itself. He stressed the need to stay focused and motivated during this tough time, acknowledging that it isn`t always easy.
A point Aspinall has consistently made is that he doesn`t blame Jones if his hesitation to fight again stems primarily from financial considerations, particularly as the longtime former light heavyweight champion is likely approaching the end of his career.
Ultimately, Aspinall`s main objective remains the undisputed heavyweight title. He hopes that regardless of how the situation unfolds, the result sees the belt around his waist.
Aspinall reiterated his full understanding of Jones`s viewpoint and the various perspectives on the situation. He emphasized that for him, the sole priority is securing the title – “Nothing else really matters.” He concluded by stating that his primary motivation is simply to “prove I`m the best.”
