Over the last four years, UFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall has had a meteoric rise to the top of the division. In November he staked his claim as the best heavyweight on earth with a dominant interim title fight win over Sergei Pavlovich. He then followed that up with an impressive defense against rankings stalwart Curtis Blaydes in July.
However, to truly be the man at heavyweight, he has to beat “the man.” However, the current top dog in the division, Jon Jones, has not shown much interest in facing the talented Englishman. Instead, “Bones” will fight former division king Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 309 in November.
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It is a decision that has baffled fans and even Aspinall. Since Miocic turned 42 in August and hasn’t won a fight since 2020. It was something Ringside Intel asked the UFC star about in an exclusive Q&A. We also inquired about potential fights with Ciryl Gane or Alexander Volkov next. His recent work with Cuervo, and the talents of long-time training partner and current KSW heavyweight champion Phil De Fries.
Tom Aspinall willing to face Ciryl Gane or Alexander Volkov next
Ringside Intel: A fight with Jon Jones is something everyone is talking about. Yet, some around the industry believe that you need to go after him publicly to goad him into a fight. Do you feel there is some truth to that, and you need to change your approach to make a fight something Jon can no longer refuse?
Tom Aspinall: Yes, I actually feel that I need to speak more openly about it, and that’s what I’m doing at the moment. I am changing my approach, while also trying to keep a level of class.
Ringside Intel: I know you are willing to wait and get the Jones vs. Miocic winner. But if you decide to fight sooner, it seems like facing Gane or Volkov makes the most sense next. Would a fight with Gane, maybe at Wembley Stadium, be something that could make you forego a fight with the Jones vs. Miocic winner?
Aspinall: I really don’t care who I fight. I never really have. But right now, to me, it is about being the best in the world and unifying the titles. So whatever takes me to the undisputed title really.
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Ringside Intel: Joe Rogan recently suggested the UFC would be open to cross-promotion on a Jon Jones vs. Francis Ngannou fight if the Saudis (who own a share of PFL) throw around money Dana White can’t refuse. Do those rumors make you feel like a Jones fight will never happen?
Aspinall: I’m not sure me and Jon will ever fight. I’m sure he will do everything not to fight me
Ringside Intel: I have interviewed your training partner Phil De Fries several times. He had a run in the UFC previously but is a very different fighter now in KSW. Having trained with him, how do you think he would do in the Octagon today if he returned to the company?
Aspinall: Phil is an awesome guy and a close friend of mine. He is a top-level MMA fighter and would be in the top 10 for sure in the UFC.
Tom Aspinall record: 15-3 (11 knockouts, 4 submissions)
Ringside Intel: How did this unique deal with Cuervo come together? Were you a tequila drinker before this or has the partnership for a commercial coincidentally made you a fan of tequila?
Aspinall: I already was a fan of Cuervo which is great. I was approached by the UFC and asked if I was interested, and obviously jumped at the opportunity to work with the Official Tequila Partner of UFC.
Ringside Intel: I spoke with Michael Chandler late last year when he was promoting his partnership with another tequila company. It is something a lot of celebrities, including The Rock have dabbled in. Now that you have hit an elite level of notoriety in the UFC, is this sort of the next step you want to take to maximize this unique period of fame?
Aspinall: Exactly. I want to work with big brands that align with the things that I like. Fighting at the top level is something that can only be done for a short amount of time so I want to make the most of it – there’s definitely room to continue to try new things like working with Cuervo.
Ringside Intel: How much free Cuervo tequila did you get as a part of this partnership and commercial?
Aspinall: I definitely got some free Cuervo as part of the partnership! Cuervo was great to work with and I enjoyed drinking the tequila with some friends after my last fight. “Shooting One Round” in the Octagon was fun, especially getting to see how surprised the Cuervo opponents were when they found out they would be enjoying a round of Cuervo with me, instead of fighting me head to head in the Octagon.
