Tom Aspinall, who was recently crowned the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, has outlined his approach to facing former UFC champion Francis Ngannou in a potential high-profile bout. Speaking in July 2025, Aspinall expressed interest in the contest, highlighting his confidence in using fight intelligence to manage Ngannou’s dangerous power in what could become a highly anticipated heavyweight clash.
Tom Aspinall’s Rise and Intentions as UFC Heavyweight Champion
After holding the interim UFC heavyweight title for nearly 590 days, Tom Aspinall secured the undisputed championship last month and immediately committed to an active title defense schedule. The British heavyweight stated his first defense is already signed, though he has not disclosed his opponent yet. Aspinall’s rapid ascension involved striking down top contenders including Sergei Pavlovich, Curtis Blaydes, and Marcin Tybura with decisive knockouts, showcasing his exceptional speed and power. His reign begins with promises of frequent defenses that aim to invigorate the division.
Potential Opponents and Uncertainties Surrounding Title Defenses
The anticipated matchup between Aspinall and Jon Jones, a fight that generated global buzz, remains uncertain. Jones stepped away from competition following the UFC Baku event but hinted at a possible return at the UFC White House event. Despite this, UFC President Dana White quickly dismissed the chance of the fight happening, leaving fans waiting. Aspinall has acknowledged these developments while maintaining focus on his upcoming title defenses.
Alongside contemplating a clash with Jones, Aspinall has also expressed interest in fighting striking specialist Alex Pereira, projecting an exciting striker-versus-striker matchup. Meanwhile, Ciryl Gane is another contender who has so far avoided a bout with Aspinall, shaping the division’s key future battles.
Francis Ngannou’s Journey After UFC and Unique Challenges
Francis Ngannou, once one of the most feared heavyweights in UFC history, parted ways with the promotion in January 2023 after disputes over fighter pay, autonomy, and the ability to compete in boxing matches. Known as ‘The Predator,’ Ngannou carved out a legacy with emphatic knockout wins over names like Alistair Overeem, Cain Velasquez, Stipe Miocic, and a record-setting 20-second KO over Jairzinho Rozenstruik.
Since leaving the UFC, Ngannou transitioned into professional boxing, participating in headline bouts against Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. More recently, he captured the PFL heavyweight championship by overpowering Renan Ferreira with a first-round ground-and-pound stoppage. PFL executives have proposed a crossover title fight to crown the world’s definitive heavyweight champion, a match that could potentially involve Aspinall.
Aspinall’s Approach to Facing Ngannou
Tom Aspinall publicly welcomed the idea of facing Ngannou, underscoring his respect for the former champion’s power while stressing his confidence in his own fight IQ and strategic skills to manage the threat. In an interview with Eurosport, Aspinall said,
“I like the fight. I think that he’s very, very dangerous. I think that I’m a smart fighter with a good fight IQ, and I think I could navigate that danger well. But man, you never—this is MMA. This is heavyweight MMA at the top level. You never know until you get in there… It’s a fight that I would definitely be interested in.” —Tom Aspinall via Eurosport
This statement illustrates Aspinall’s measured confidence, recognizing the unpredictable nature of top-level heavyweight mixed martial arts while showing eagerness for a potential showdown with Ngannou.
Context of Ngannou’s PFL Success vs. UFC Competition
Despite Ngannou’s dominant performances in the PFL, Aspinall has questioned the strength of competition outside the UFC’s heavyweight roster. He believes that while Ngannou remains dangerous, the quality and depth of fighters in UFC’s heavyweight division are unmatched, which could impact how the matchup unfolds. Aspinall’s previous victories over elite UFC fighters reinforce his assertion that consistent top-tier opposition is essential for testing a champion’s true caliber.
Confirmed First Title Defense and Future Prospects
Aspinall confirmed that his next fight is officially signed, though details remain private. Reflecting on the signing process, he remarked,
“Yes (next fight is signed and finalized) it is. As far as signed, I can’t remember the last time that I physically signed a contract, they just ask me and I say yes and that’s it.” —Tom Aspinall via Eurosport
This relaxed approach to contract formalities suggests Aspinall’s calm confidence heading into his reign as heavyweight champion. His future includes not only defending his title but exploring superfights against other top fighters like Alex Pereira, further broadening his appeal and challenge level.
Significance of a Potential Aspinall vs Ngannou Bout
A matchup between Tom Aspinall and Francis Ngannou promises to be a blockbuster event in the heavyweight division, uniting the reigning UFC champion with a legendary former champion and crossover boxing star. Such a fight could decisively determine the heavyweight hierarchy across promotions, especially amid discussions of a crossover title fight. Fans worldwide are eager to witness how Aspinall’s strategic and fast-paced style compares against Ngannou’s explosive knockout power. The fight’s outcome could have lasting implications for the division’s direction and champion legacy.
As Aspinall prepares for his first defense, the possibility of taking on ‘The Predator’ suggests a thrilling and defining chapter is ahead in heavyweight MMA. Whether Aspinall can outmaneuver Ngannou’s feared power or if Ngannou will reclaim dominance outside the UFC will captivate combat sports audiences through the rest of 2025 and beyond.