By FCF Staff

The UFC’s heavyweight division has been a frequent subject for debate and discussion in the last year or so. But, Tom Aspinall understands that’s not really due to the action in the Octagon.

For months, there was extensive talk about whether Aspinall and Jon Jones will fight. But, ultimately, Jones announced he was retiring, and so Aspinall became the undisputed heavyweight champ.

More recently, Aspinall spoke with Adam Catterall. While discussing the state of the heavyweight division, the English star acknowledged it’s not driving an enormous amount of excitement (quotes via MMA Fighting).

“The heavyweight division’s not exactly on fire at the moment. From a name point of view. I think the talent’s there. But if you look five plus years ago, just the name value in the top 15 was incredible. We’re talking guys like Fabricio Werdum, Cain Velasquez, [Junior dos Santos], Mark Hunt, Alistair Overeem, Brock Lesnar, etc, etc. Stipe [Miocic], the list goes on and on. You look through the top 15 and it’s like wow, that’s incredible. Where as now, even me who’s a heavyweight, I look through the top 15 and I’m like I’ve not really seen [these guys] fight before.

“I think over the next few years that’s going to change. I think there’s going to be more big fights at heavyweight. People are going to become bigger names, which is great. We just need more up and coming heavyweights doing a bit in the top 15.”

The 32-year-old Aspinall (15-3) also reported that his next fight is booked, but the champion said the UFC would be announcing it. Aspinall hasn’t competed now since July, 2024, when he quickly knocked out Curtis Blaydes.