Tom Aspinall’s Path to Defending the UFC Heavyweight Title
- Austin Jones
- Jun 26
- 4 min read
Tom Aspinall’s Path to Defending the UFC Heavyweight
The UFC Heavyweight division has been one of the most volatile and exciting in recent years, and with Jon Jones’ sudden retirement, the landscape has shifted. Tom Aspinall, who recently ascended to the title following Jones’ exit, is now the focus of the division. The question on everyone’s mind: who will be the first fighter to challenge Aspinall for the undisputed Heavyweight title?
A Changing of the Guard: Jon Jones' Retirement
Jon Jones’ unexpected retirement has thrown the UFC Heavyweight division into chaos. After a storied career, including winning the heavyweight title in March 2023 by defeating Ciryl Gane, Jones stepped away from the sport. This left the UFC with a vacuum at the top of the division, and it was only a matter of time before someone would rise to claim the crown. Enter Tom Aspinall, who, after a brutal knockout victory, is now the new face of the division.
But with Jones out of the picture, the focus now turns to Aspinall’s first title defense, and the competition to challenge him has never been more intense.
The Current Top Heavyweight Contenders
Several fighters are eyeing the top spot and vying for a shot at Aspinall's title. As of June 2025, the UFC Heavyweight rankings are as follows:
Ciryl Gane (13-2): The No. 1 contender, Gane is no stranger to title fights. His previous bout with Jones ended in a loss, but his skills, athleticism, and striking remain dangerous, making him a top challenger for Aspinall's belt.
Alexander Volkov (38-11): A veteran with knockout power, Volkov has long been a top contender. His experience in the octagon, combined with his well-rounded skill set, makes him a serious threat.
Sergei Pavlovich (19-3): A knockout artist, Pavlovich is dangerous, with a history of finishing his opponents quickly. Despite a loss to Volkov, his raw power keeps him in the mix for a title shot.
Curtis Blaydes (18-5, 1 NC): A strong wrestler, Blaydes has been a constant in the top 5 of the Heavyweight rankings. His wrestling acumen presents a unique challenge to Aspinall, should they face off.
Jailton Almeida (22-3): The rising star, Almeida has been making waves with his impressive performances. His recent streak and versatility in both grappling and striking put him on the map as a potential future title challenger.
Who Is Most Likely to Face Aspinall?
Given the current rankings and recent performances, several names stand out as potential challengers for Aspinall’s first defense. The most likely candidate is Ciryl Gane, who remains the top contender despite his loss to Jones. Gane has expressed his confidence in facing Aspinall, and with his striking and experience at the highest level, he is a dangerous challenger for the new champion.
Sergei Pavlovich, while not the most highly-ranked at the moment, remains a fan favorite thanks to his knockout power. Pavlovich has the potential to deliver fireworks in a title fight, and his name is certainly one to watch.
Jailton Almeida is another fighter making waves in the division. The Brazilian’s well-rounded skill set and recent momentum make him an intriguing option for a title shot. Almeida’s grappling-heavy style could present a unique challenge to Aspinall’s striking-focused approach.
Alexander Volkov rounds out the list. While his controversial decision loss to Gane has somewhat derailed his momentum, Volkov is still highly ranked and has the experience and skill set to present a challenge for Aspinall.
The Champion’s Perspective
Tom Aspinall has made it clear that he intends to remain active as champion. According to recent reports, Aspinall has plans to defend his title twice before the end of 2025, making it likely that his first defense will take place soon. The UFC president, Dana White, has stressed the importance of an active champion, and with Jones retired, the pressure is on Aspinall to make his mark on the division.
Aspinall is known for his dynamic striking and versatility, and while he’s still relatively new to the top tier of the division, he’s already shown he has what it takes to compete with the best. He’s poised to become a dominant force, but with the top contenders hungry for a shot at the title, he’ll need to defend his belt against the best in the world.
What’s Next for the Heavyweight Division?
With the retirement of Jon Jones, the UFC Heavyweight division is now in the hands of the next generation of fighters. Tom Aspinall’s rise to the top has brought fresh energy to the division, and the pool of hungry challengers ensures that the future of the division is exciting.
Who will be the first to face Aspinall? It’s unclear, but the UFC Heavyweight division is in good hands. With Gane, Pavlovich, Almeida, and Volkov all in the mix, we’re in for some explosive matchups as the new champion defends his crown.
Stay tuned to FIGHT.TV for updates as we continue to follow the heavyweight division’s shifting tides and Aspinall’s rise to dominance.
