The UFC heavyweight division is at a standstill while heavyweight champion Jon Jones recovers from a shoulder injury.
After making a return to the octagon after a three-year hiatus from the sport, Jones captured the heavyweight championship by easily defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. He was scheduled to defend the title against former two-time titleholder Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 in November last year but Jones was forced out of the bout due to tearing his pectoral tendon.
The fight between Jones and Miocic will be put on hold while Jones recovers. Meanwhile, an interim heavyweight champ was crowned. Tom Aspinall won the interim title by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich in UFC 295. He accepted it on two-week notice.
UFC CEO Dana White expects Jones and Moicic to take place this summer and thinks the winner should face Aspinall.
“This summer, it should happen (Jones vs. Miocic). It’s interesting, I think it (both retiring) depends on who wins. Either guy that wins, how do you not fight Aspinall,” White said during an interview with Maxx Crosby.
“I think there’s almost like a courtesy if you will. If you’re looked at as one of the GOATs, whoever wins this fight, it’s almost like…
