Tom Aspinall has put forward a novel and somewhat improbable suggestion for a one-night heavyweight tournament at UFC 309. This comes after his triumphant defense of the interim heavyweight title with a rapid 60-second TKO win against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in Manchester.
Aspinall, who has a history of quick finishes, previously defeated Sergei Pavlovich in 69 seconds and Marcin Tybura in 73 seconds earlier in the year.
Post-fight, Aspinall aimed his challenge at the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, Jon Jones. His confident callout was notable, given his recent string of swift and decisive victories, underscoring his readiness for higher-profile matchups.
Aspinall’s proposition was delivered during the UFC 304 post-fight press conference, adding to the excitement surrounding his future in the heavyweight division.
UFC 309, scheduled for November 9th at Madison Square Garden, is anticipated to feature a heavyweight title bout between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. There are also rumors of UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira facing Magomed Ankalaev.
However, Aspinall’s unique idea for the event involves a more dramatic setup, suggesting a four-man tournament to determine the true heavyweight champion.
Aspinall’s proposed tournament would see Jon Jones face Stipe Miocic and himself go against Alex Pereira, with the winners of these two bouts fighting again on the same night. This concept is designed to crown the definitive best heavyweight fighter in the world, adding an element of old-school, high-stakes competition to the event.
The idea, while intriguing, poses significant logistical and physical challenges, making it unlikely to be adopted. Nevertheless, Aspinall’s suggestion has captured the imagination of MMA fans and highlights his ambition and readiness to take on the top names in the heavyweight division.
Whether or not the tournament happens, Aspinall has firmly positioned himself as a formidable contender in the UFC heavyweight landscape.
