Tom Aspinall, the Manchester heavyweight who spent nearly two years in MMA’s most frustrating limbo, has finally been promoted to undisputed UFC champion, not by beating the man in the way, but by watching Jon Jones walk away.
The British fighter’s wait for the belt ended not with a knockout, but with a phone call: Jon Jones, the most decorated and controversial figure in UFC history, retired instead of defending against Aspinall, leaving the division free to move on.
Undisputed Heavyweight Champion – Tom Aspinall
Tom Aspinall, who had held the interim belt for 19 months, has been vocal about his ambitions.