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Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion, is not content to wait on the sidelines for a potential fight with Jon Jones. Instead, Aspinall is eyeing a title defense against Curtis Blaydes at the rumored UFC 304 event in Manchester this summer.
In a recent interview on The MMA Hour, Aspinall expressed his determination to continue fighting rather than wait for a matchup with Jones, who is currently focused on facing Stipe Miocic. Aspinall emphasized his eagerness to compete, stating,
“I’m not a nitpicker. I’m not a guy that says let me just wait this one out. I’m a fighter. I want to fight people."
The potential showdown with Blaydes holds personal significance for Aspinall, as Blaydes is the only fighter to have defeated him in the UFC. Their initial fight ended abruptly due to a knee injury suffered by Aspinall, leading to a win for Blaydes. Aspinall is keen on avenging that loss and settling the score with Blaydes.
While Blaydes remains a strong contender for the matchup, former interim heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane is also in consideration. However, Aspinall indicated that Gane has previously turned down fights with him and others, expressing his preference for fighters who are willing to step into the Octagon without hesitation.
UFC 304, rumored to be held at the new Co-op Live arena in July, could witness Aspinall defending his title against either Blaydes or Gane. Aspinall's determination to continue proving himself as a top fighter underscores his commitment to the sport and his desire to face formidable opponents.