Tom Aspinall is favored to end 2025 as the UFC heavyweight champion over Jon Jones.
As the UFC heavyweight division continues to evolve, Tom Aspinall has emerged as a standout contender. Many experts and fans now favor the British phenom to finish 2025 as the UFC heavyweight champion, even ahead of the legendary Jon Jones.
This prediction is fueled by Aspinall’s rapid rise in the division, his dominant performances, and questions surrounding Jones’ longevity in the sport. Let’s dive into why Tom Aspinall is seen as the heavyweight to beat and whether he can dethrone Jones in the eyes of the MMA world.
Tom Aspinall’s Meteoric Rise in the UFC Heavyweight Division
Tom Aspinall, hailing from Manchester, England, has quickly established himself as one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC heavyweight division. With a combination of explosive striking, technical grappling, and a calm composure inside the octagon, Aspinall has made short work of several top-ranked opponents.
His 2023 comeback victory over Marcin Tybura following a devastating knee injury showcased his resilience and ability to bounce back stronger. In 2024, Aspinall further solidified his status as a title contender by defeating Curtis Blaydes and Ciryl Gane in back-to-back performances, both via early stoppages.
At just 32 years old, Aspinall is in his physical prime, and his well-rounded skill set has many believing he has what it takes to dominate the heavyweight division for years to come.
Why Tom Aspinall Is Favored Over Jon Jones
While Jon Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time, questions about his future in the UFC remain. At 37 years old, Jones has already hinted at retirement, leaving fans and analysts to wonder how much longer he will compete at the elite level.
Additionally, Jones’ transition to the heavyweight division has not been as active as many expected. After his successful debut against Ciryl Gane to claim the vacant title, Jones has only fought sporadically, with injuries and contractual disputes limiting his activity.
In contrast, Aspinall’s rise has been marked by consistent performances and an eagerness to take on top contenders. His combination of speed, power, and grappling ability has many believing he could pose a serious threat to Jones should they ever meet in the octagon.
Moreover, Aspinall’s rapid improvement and willingness to adapt make him a nightmare matchup for anyone in the division. His ability to finish fights both on the feet and on the ground gives him a versatility that is hard to counter.
The Path to UFC Heavyweight Gold in 2025
For Tom Aspinall to end 2025 as the UFC heavyweight champion, several key factors need to align. First, Aspinall must continue his winning streak against top-ranked opponents, ensuring his place as the number-one contender.
Second, the UFC heavyweight division’s landscape must shift in his favor. With Jon Jones potentially retiring or being less active, Aspinall could find himself in a prime position to claim the title.
Lastly, Aspinall’s ability to stay healthy and maintain his peak performance will be critical. The heavyweight division is notoriously unpredictable, and one misstep could derail his championship aspirations.
Can Tom Aspinall Fulfill the Hype?
While many favor Aspinall to finish 2025 as the UFC heavyweight champion, the road ahead is anything but easy. Fighters like Sergei Pavlovich, Stipe Miocic, and Jailton Almeida still pose significant challenges.
However, Aspinall’s composure, athleticism, and hunger for greatness make him a strong candidate to take over the division. If he can maintain his momentum and rise to the occasion in high-stakes matchups, Aspinall could very well become the next face of the heavyweight division.
Final Thoughts
As 2025 approaches, the UFC heavyweight division is brimming with excitement and uncertainty. While Jon Jones remains a legendary figure, Tom Aspinall is being hailed as the future of the division.
Whether Aspinall can fulfill these lofty expectations and dethrone Jones—or claim the title in his absence—remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the heavyweight division has never been more competitive, and Tom Aspinall is ready to rise to the occasion.
