UFC legend Daniel Cormier has expressed his endorsement of Tom Aspinall being elevated from interim heavyweight champion to undisputed champion. This comes amid uncertainty about Aspinall’s next move.
In November, Aspinall knocked out Sergei Pavlovich in the first round, winning the interim heavyweight title, and becoming his nation’s third UFC champion. However, Jon Jones holds the official belt.
Aspinall vs Pavlovich happened after Jones’s title defense against Stipe Miocic fell through on two weeks’ notice, with Jones sustaining an injury that may keep him out for a year. Traditionally, the interim champion would typically challenge the official champion next, but the UFC has expressed a desire to rebook Jones vs Miocic.
This could leave Aspinall to defend the interim title temporarily, a rare occurrence in the UFC. However, retired Cormier – a former heavyweight and light-heavyweight champion – has said the 30-year-old should not have to do so. According to Cormier, “If Jones and Stipe are only going to fight each other, you cannot have Tom Aspinall defend the interim championship.”
Cormier contends that Aspinall is the future of the heavyweight division. While Jones and Stipe don’t need the title to be on the line. They can just fight, and that’s enough. Call it ‘for the greatest of all time’. It doesn’t matter. Create a belt.”
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Sarah Foster is your guide to the world of Mixed Martial Arts. With a deep understanding of MMA’s intricacies and a passion for the sport, she offers comprehensive coverage of MMA events, fighter profiles, and in-depth analysis of fights. Sarah’s commitment to the octagon ensures that readers stay engaged with the latest developments in the MMA world.
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