After earning the interim UFC heavyweight championship title on Saturday night, Tom Aspinall (14-3) has one fight on his mind.
This past weekend in the co-main event of UFC 295 in New York, Aspinall made quick work of Sergei Pavlovich (18-2), dispatching him in the very first round with technical power punches to become the 265-pound interim titleholder.
Tom Aspinall is your new UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion! @AspinallMMA KO’s Sergei Pavlovich in round 1 WOW #ufc #ufc295 pic.twitter.com/lqJ3MGtCtd
— Nina-Marie Daniele (@ninamdrama) November 12, 2023
Following the fight, the Englishman called for a match with current heavyweight champion Jon Jones (27-1). While this respectful call-out came as a surprise to no one, many questions when this fight will be able to occur given the fact that Jones is still planned to face Stipe Miocic after recovering from his torn pectoralis tendon.
“I’ve seen Jon talking nice stuff about me on a podcast, as well. It’s really nice. Obviously it’s always nice to hear nice things about you, but from someone like that, who I massively look up to, even more so.
“Yeah, thank you, Jon. Just give me the opportunity, Jon. Let me do it. Give me my dream fight. Why not? I’ve just achieved my dream now. Give me my dream fight. Let me fight for my legacy now, please.”
-Tom Aspinall via post fight interview
Jones was also quick to congratulate Aspinall following his dominant victory, in a display of respect from champion to champion.
Jon Jones congratulates Tom Aspinall on his win at #UFC295 👀
(h/t @JonnyBones) pic.twitter.com/OV7kX8lEIA
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 12, 2023