Tom Aspinall is pleased to start a new era for the heavyweight division of the UFC now that he is the undisputed champion.
Although the Brit has claimed that he only pursued an undisputed status, a fight with Jon Jones would have been the biggest matchup of the year.
Although it seems as if Aspinall has already locked up his next fight, there is no other opponent who brings the same kind of commitment and attention that Jones would have.
The division must now go further that 'Bones' has retired, even if Aspinall has opted for a Never Say Never approach for a potential collision with Jones.
With a current lack of big names in the division, Alex Pereira is perhaps the most desirable opponent for the new champion, who has tackled Aspinall in a recent interview.
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Tom Aspinall believes that Alex Pereira is currently only on light heavyweight focused on light heavyweight
In an interview with ESPN MMA, Tom Aspinall spoke about the pallout of Jon Jones' pension and what the next one is for him as the undisputed heavyweight champion.
A fight with Ciryl Gane seems to be on the horizon and although it is a matchup that has been talked about for quite some time, it has been an important step in the hype around the Jones fight.
As one of the biggest names in sport, Alex Pereira would be a huge addition to the heavyweight division as a 'Patan' decides to go up in the near future.
However, the loss of Pereira for Magomed Ankalaev earlier this year, the other plans of the Brazilian put on hold, while he tries to win back his light heavyweight title later this year.
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Aspinall recognized this when we talked about whether we could see him and Pereira come across in a heavyweight matchup that would attract a lot of attention.
“He has business to do at Light Heavy, do you know what I mean? He has just lost his title in a heavy fight. I think Ankalaev will remain a really heavy matchup for him and let's see if he comes through the next because, in my opinion, Magomed Ankalaev does not get enough respect.
Aspinall believes that although Pereira is able to avenge his loss to Ankalaev, it is understandable that this would be his only priority at the moment.
“I think it's a tough fight for Alex. It is definitely a fight that Alex can win … I think, as far as his move to heavyweight, I only speak when I was in his position, I want to get it back.”
Tom Aspinall admits that the heavyweight division has been 'better' when looking at the current landscape
In addition to Jon Jones or Alex Pereira, there is not necessarily another selection framework that Tom Aspinall encounters that fans would really make it enthusiastic.
A fight with Ciryl Gane is perhaps the most attractive matchup for the Brit, even if many believe that the Frenchman did not deserve to win his last fight.
Aspinall was honest when he spoke with ESPN MMA about the current state of the division.
Although he acknowledged that it might not be what it once was, the champion is optimistic that it will become stronger the he keeps the belt active.
“It has been better, but it can certainly get better. I think that when we talk about the DOS Santos days of Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos, Brock Lesnar involved and all those people, Fabricio Werdum, etc., That's when it's at its peak. Heavyweights.”