Tom Aspinall has been officially named the UFC heavyweight champion after Jon Jones announced his retirement, refusing to defend the title against him. This change was confirmed by UFC president Dana White during International Fight Week in Las Vegas, marking a significant moment in the heavyweight division where Aspinall now stands as the undisputed king.
As the newly crowned Tom Aspinall UFC heavyweight champion, the British contender is eager to defend his title actively. This determination comes amid discussions of potential challengers, as fans and analysts speculate on who could be next in line to face him. From crossover athletes to established UFC fighters, several notable names are being considered as plausible opponents for Aspinall’s first title defense.
Potential Super-Fight: Oleksandr Usyk’s Future in MMA
Oleksandr Usyk, the current world heavyweight boxing champion, represents a unique but distant possibility for Aspinall. While Usyk is focusing on a high-profile rematch against Daniel Dubois in boxing, he has also expressed interest in crossing over to MMA, potentially fighting Alex Pereira within the sport or even participating in boxing bouts involving UFC fighters.
Should Usyk decide to make a transition into MMA’s heavyweight division, Tom Aspinall would be a logical opponent to welcome him. The UFC currently has a gifted heavyweight champion but lacks crossover super-fights within the division, making a bout with Usyk an extraordinary prospect. However, this remains a hypothetical scenario until Usyk completes his boxing commitments.
Oleksandr Usyk’s professional boxing record (as of June 23, 2025) highlights 23 fights with 14 wins by knockout, underscoring his status as a formidable athlete in combat sports.
A Kickboxing Legend: Could Rico Verhoeven Enter the Octagon?
Rico Verhoeven is regarded as one of kickboxing’s all-time greats, with multiple Fighter of the Year awards and dominance in the GLORY heavyweight division. Known for his technical precision and impressive victories over fighters like Errol Zimmerman, Gokhan Saki, and Badr Hari, Verhoeven’s skill set makes him an intriguing candidate for a UFC crossover fight.
While Verhoeven’s mixed martial arts experience is limited, rumors have connected him with a potential superfight against Francis Ngannou of PFL MMA. For Aspinall, a matchup against Verhoeven would be a major event, but it seems more likely that Verhoeven would face experienced UFC heavyweights like Jailton Almeida or Curtis Blaydes first if he were to join the UFC roster. Thus, a fight with Aspinall, while exciting, may not happen soon.
Rico Verhoeven’s kickboxing record, as of June 2025, features 66 fights with 21 wins by knockout, further emphasizing his striking credentials.
Francis Ngannou: A Dream Clash Across Promotions
Francis Ngannou, the former UFC heavyweight champion now competing in PFL MMA, remains one of the biggest names outside the UFC. A fight between Aspinall and Ngannou would captivate the MMA world, combining two of the heavyweight division’s most powerful fighters.
Despite Dana White’s previous reluctance to collaborate with PFL or bring Ngannou back to UFC, the potential financial and fan interest generated by a matchup between Aspinall and Ngannou could change the landscape. Should demand rise, a cross-promotional bout might become possible, pitting the UFC’s latest champion against a megastar from a rival organization.
Ngannou’s professional MMA record as of June 2025 showcases an elite athlete with a strong competitive history, although specifics on wins and losses are not listed here.
Alex Pereira: The Quest for UFC’s First Three-Division Champion
Alex Pereira, a Brazilian striker with titles in both middleweight and light heavyweight UFC divisions, poses a thrilling challenge for Tom Aspinall. Before Jon Jones’ retirement, Jones had shown interest in welcoming Pereira into the heavyweight class, where a victory would make Pereira the UFC’s first-ever three-division champion.
A fight between Aspinall and Pereira would be one of the organization’s biggest matchups, promising high drama and significant legacy implications. Discussions suggest the UFC might reserve this event for a broader broadcast deal, possibly placing it on premium platforms like Netflix or Prime Video. This pairing is therefore a prominent possibility that could headline a major live event in the near future.
Pereira’s competitive record in MMA reflects a sharp rise and consistent success across divisions, setting up the potential for a historic showdown against Aspinall.
Top Contender Ciryl Gane: The Most Immediate Threat
Ciryl Gane stands as the top-ranked heavyweight challenger who Aspinall has not yet defeated, making him the most straightforward and likely candidate for the champion’s first title defense. Earlier speculation suggested that if Jon Jones did not fight Aspinall, Gane would take the opportunity to face him for the belt. Now that Jones has officially retired, that fight appears imminent.
The Gane vs. Aspinall matchup holds strong merit based on rankings and competition history, carrying a genuine rivalry feel. Gane’s polished skill set and competitive record position him as a dangerous contender eager to reclaim the heavyweight crown, setting the stage for a high-stakes clash inside the Octagon.
Ciryl Gane’s professional MMA record as of June 2025 confirms his experience and resilience, though specific statistics are not detailed here.
Looking Ahead: What Aspinall’s Reign Could Mean for the Division
Tom Aspinall’s elevation to full UFC heavyweight champion signals a new era for the division following Jon Jones’ departure. Dana White’s decision to promote Aspinall underscores the organization’s confidence in the British fighter’s ability to lead and energize the heavyweight landscape.
Aspinall has promised to be an active champion, a vow that contrasts with Jones’ inactivity last year, and this could increase the division’s visibility and competitiveness. With potential challengers ranging from established UFC stars like Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira to crossover icons such as Oleksandr Usyk and Rico Verhoeven, the heavyweight championship scene is set for exciting developments.
Whether through domestic rivalries or groundbreaking cross-promotional bouts, Aspinall’s reign may redefine what is possible in the division, captivating fans and solidifying his legacy as one of MMA’s most determined champions.