"That fight has to be made" - Tom Aspinall shares which fight excites him the most for 2025
Tom Aspinall last entered the octagon in July when he defeated Curtis Blaydes via first-round knockout at UFC 304 to defend his interim heavyweight title for the first time. He recently weighed in on the upcoming year, revealing which potential fight he is most excited about in 2025.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, the No.1-ranked heavyweight shared why he believes Alex Pereira must face Magomed Ankalaev, stating:
"The fight that I'm looking forward to the most is Alex Pereira versus Ankalaev. What a clash of styles. Southpaw, wrestler, front foot fighter against a knockout merchant that is Alex Pereira. 2025, that fight has to be made."
Aspinall continued:
"That could be one of the biggest fights, potentially, in the UFC - definitely in the light heavyweight division and that is something that I am very, very much looking forward to. Big guys, knockout power, throwing down, I want to see it."
Check out Tom Aspinall's comments on a potential matchup between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalev below:
While Ankalaev appears to be next in line to challenge for the light heavyweight title, Pereira recently hinted that it will not be his next bout. It is unclear who 'Poatan' would face, if not for the No.1-ranked light heavyweight contender.
Tom Aspinall sends warning to Jon Jones ahead of rumored 2025 matchup
UFC CEO Dana White recently guaranteed that Jon Jones will defend his heavyweight title against Tom Aspinall in 2025. The No.1-ranked heavyweight took to his YouTube channel on Thursday to share a warning to 'Bones' ahead of the potential bout, stating:
"I was there for the Stipe [Miocic] fight, obviously, in New York City, Madison Square Garden. Good fight against Stipe. Let's remember, I ain't Stipe, completely different. And I possess a whole different attribute of skills, aggression, speed, power and everything else to Stipe Miocic. So, Stipe is retired, much respect to him. Much respect to Jon Jones, as well, believe it or not, but I'm coming for both of them belts and 2025 is when it's going to happen."
Check out Tom Aspinall's comments on facing Jon Jones below:
Jones had previously hinted at retiring from mixed martial arts leading up to his UFC 309 clash with Stipe Miocic. Following the bout, however, he revealed that he plans to delay those plans and will compete again for the right price. While his asking price remains unclear, it appears that the UFC is prepared to meet that number.