Tom Aspinall seeks to challenge winner of Curtis Blaydes vs Jailton Almeida bout: “That’s what makes sense”

Tom Aspinall, the interim UFC heavyweight champion, has been at loggerheads with the UFC and undisputed heavyweight champion Jon Jones. Aspinall won the interim title at UFC 295 after Jones injured his pectoral muscle and pulled out of his fight with Stipe Miocic.

The UFC wants to make the fight between Jones and Miocic next, leaving Aspinall without an opponent. Aspinall used social media to vent his frustration and has now set his sights on the heavyweight matchup between Curtis Blaydes and Jailton Almeida at UFC 300.

Tom Aspinall targets winner of Blaydes vs Almeida bout

Tom Aspinall, unable to secure a fight with Stipe Miocic or Jon Jones, has shifted his attention to the winner of Curtis Blaydes vs. Jailton Almeida. Aspinall discussed his plans in a recent interview on Eurosport, with Blaydes and Almeida at the forefront of his considerations.

“So, I’m hearing strong rumors from some reliable sources that that’s gonna happen,” said Aspinall about the winner of Blaydes vs Almeida getting a crack at his interim heavyweight title. Only Renen Barao in the UFC has defended the interim title and Aspinall could be the second.

“If Blaydes takes care of business as he should, me and him and in Machester would be the best thing,” said Aspinall of his interest to fight Blaydes in his hometown of Manchester. “I guess if Almeida wins, I guess that makes sense as well,” Aspinall further added expressing his interest in fighting Almeida as well.

Almeida recently fought a man with Down Syndrome in a charity MMA match and lost via unanimous decision. Before that, he headlined UFC Sao Paulo and defeated Derrick Lewis who replaced Almeida’s original opponent Curtis Blaydes, on short notice.

Tom Aspinall wants to avenge his loss to Curtis Blaydes

Tom Aspinall is undefeated in the UFC except for his unfortunate TKO loss to Curtis Blaydes due to a knee injury at UFC Fight Night 208. That was his only loss inside the octagon as he finished all his other 7 fights with 6 Performance of the Night bonuses.

“I technically have a loss to Blaydes in the UFC. I would like to get that one back,” said Aspinall in his interview with Eurosports. “That’s what makes sense for me personally right now,” the interim champion further added his intention to win back the sole loss in the UFC. Fighting the winner of Almeida vs Blaydes sets him perfectly to fight in the undercard of the potential Jon Jones versus Stipe Miocic fight.

Aspinall had earlier expressed his willingness to welcome light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira to heavyweight but the UFC is not on board with the plan. Dana White has confirmed during the fight week of UFC 297 that they have a fight set for Aspinall.

At present, the UK has two UFC champions: Aspinall and undisputed welterweight champion Leon Edwards. The UFC hosted a couple of fight nights and a PPV card in the UK in 2023, and all signs point to the same in 2024, with the potential of Edwards and Aspinall being on the same card.

Do you think Tom Aspinall will face the winner of Jailton Almeida vs Curtis Blaydes? Leave your thoughts below!