Tom Aspinall, now the undisputed heavyweight champion, has announced ambitious plans to reinvigorate the Jon Jones heavyweight division future by taking an active role as champion. With the division lacking depth and fresh matchups, Aspinall intends to change its trajectory by defending his title while encouraging competitive bouts.
Though the division has faced stagnation, Aspinall is prepared to move past speculation about a potential fight with Jon Jones, who has recently hinted at a return after rejoining the <a href=”https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/mma/ufc/”>UFC’s testing pool. By securing a date and opponent for his next fight, Aspinall signals a shift towards more dynamic heavyweight competition.
Volkov and Almeida Set for Key Fight at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi
With Aspinall’s rise, attention has turned to the division’s leading contenders. After his promotion, three prominent fighters emerged as potential challengers. Ciryl Gane was widely expected to be next in line, especially following his controversial December victory over Alexander Volkov.
However, Jailton Almeida’s scheduled fight against Volkov adds urgency to the title picture. MMA Fighting confirmed that Almeida and Volkov have verbally agreed to face each other at UFC 321, slated for October 25 in Abu Dhabi, although official contracts remain unsigned. This bout is expected to act as a title eliminator, positioning the winner to potentially challenge either Aspinall or Gane.
Almeida enters the fight on a two-win streak, while Volkov aims to rebound from his loss to Gane, which ended Volkov’s prior streak of four straight wins.
(1/2) Big HEAVYWEIGHT matchup between Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida is targeted for #UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. Who ya’ got? (Via @guicruzzz) pic.twitter.com/j41T9OOVJF— MMA Fighting (@MMAFighting) July 16, 2025
Alternative Heavyweight Contender Suggested by UFC Analyst
During a recent event in Nashville, the heavyweight title conversation included Derrick Lewis, a favorite among fans despite not having defeated a top contender in his current win streak. Lewis is recognized for his drawing power and exciting fighting style.
Former UFC competitor Alan Jouban weighed in after Lewis’s first-round knockout of Tallison Teixeira, suggesting the Black Beast might deserve more consideration for a title fight than Ciryl Gane, who currently appears to be next after Aspinall.
Lewis probably has a bigger name value than a Ciryl Gane, who’s probably the guy that we’re thinking that would fight Tom Aspinall next, but Ciryl Gane, the name value is not quite there… After a performance like this, strike while the iron’s hot.
—Alan Jouban, Former UFC Fighter
Emerging Activity Signals a Changing Landscape in the Heavyweight Division
The heavyweight division is showing signs of renewed competition and shifting dynamics following Jon Jones relinquishing the title. Aspinall’s plan as an active champion, combined with the upcoming eliminator fight between Volkov and Almeida, suggests a more engaging future for the heavyweight ranks.
Derrick Lewis’s rising profile adds another layer of unpredictability, potentially changing the matchmaking landscape. With several contenders staking claims, fans watch closely as the heavyweight division prepares for a potentially more vigorous era.
Overall, the division’s future remains uncertain but energized, with Tom Aspinall’s leadership signaling a key turning point in imposing structure and rivalry at the top level of the UFC heavyweight class.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Jon Jones test positive for?
A. The hearing showed that Jones tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole metabolites. These substances are present in Tadalafil, a medication for erectile dysfunction that Jones admitted to using.
Q. Why did Jon Jones have surgery?
A. Neil S. ElAttrache in California is going to remove bone spurs from Jones’ left elbow. In October, Jones had surgery for a torn pectoral tendon. This injury means he probably won’t be able to play for the first half of 2024. Jones mentioned that the recovery from the bone spur procedure takes around 10 weeks, so it shouldn’t change his planned return schedule.