UFC Champion confirms future in WWE after retiring from MMA
The Endeavour deal between WWE and UFC is significantly elevating both companies globally. Recently, interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall made a surprising statement about his future career path after retiring from mixed martial arts.
Aspinall captured the interim UFC Heavyweight Championship on November 11, 2023, at UFC 295, after defeating Sergei Pavlovich in a swift first-round knockout. This victory came following Jon Jones' injury and cancellation of his fight against Stipe Miocic.
In July 2024, The Honey Badge successfully defended his interim title against Curtis Blaydes, stopping him with a knockout in the opening minute of their rematch at UFC 304.
At the recent live event in Manchester on October 16, 2024, Tom Aspinall was invited to the ring by Cody Rhodes. The 31-year-old mixed martial artist cut an intense promo on the World Heavyweight Champion Gunther.
In an interview with SunSport, the interim UFC Heavyweight Champion revealed his post-MMA aspirations. Tom Aspinall opened up about his intention to transition to World Wrestling Entertainment under Triple H's regime upon retirement from mixed martial arts. The UFC fighter also stated that he ultimately aims to capture the World Heavyweight Championship.
"When I have retired from MMA, I'm switching over to WWE. And I'm going to be the WWE heavyweight champ," he said. [H/T: The Sun]
Cody Rhodes and Gunther will face each other at the upcoming WWE Crown Jewel PLE
The company's next premium live event, Crown Jewel will emanate from Saudi Arabia's Mohammed Abdo Arena on November 2, 2024. At Bad Blood, the Chief Content Officer Triple H introduced a brand-new exclusive title for the annual Saudi Arabia PLE.
As announced by The Game, Cody Rhodes will face the World Heavyweight Champion Gunther for the first-ever Men's Crown Jewel Title. Similarly, the WWE Women's Champion Nia Jax will collide with the Women's World Champion Liv Morgan for the Women's Crown Jewel Title.
Tom Aspinall is currently slated to become the UFC Heavyweight Champion, rather than an interim titleholder. As for his transition to professional wrestling, fans will have to wait and see when The Honey Badger makes that move.