Aspinall confirmed as backup fighter

The UFC 309 main event backup fighter comes as no surprise. Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is officially set as the backup fighter for the highly anticipated title bout between reigning champion Jon Jones and challenger Stipe Miocic. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed Aspinall’s position during a press conference following Dana White’s Contender Series Week 6 at the UFC Apex.

“Yes, Tom Aspinall is next in line for anything that happens after this fight,” White stated when asked about backup plans for the heavyweight title clash. Aspinall’s role as the designated backup cements his status as a key figure in the heavyweight division and signals that the UFC sees him as a future title challenger.

The significance of UFC 309

UFC 309 will take place on November 16 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The main event is expected to be a blockbuster showdown between two of the greatest heavyweights in MMA history. Jon Jones (27-1 MMA, 21-1 UFC) will defend his heavyweight belt against former champion Stipe Miocic (20-4 MMA, 14-4 UFC), in a fight that has been anticipated for over a year. Initially set for UFC 295 in November 2023, the fight was delayed due to an injury sustained by Jones, pushing the event back a full year.

In Jones’s absence, Aspinall stepped up in a big way, defeating Serghei Pavlovich for the interim heavyweight title and then successfully defending it against Curtis Blaydes in July, finishing both fights in the opening minutes. Aspinall’s rapid rise through the rankings and his ability to deliver quick and decisive finishes have made him one of the most exciting fighters in the division.

The future of the heavyweight division

If Aspinall is not needed as a replacement during UFC 309, his future remains bright as the interim champion. Dana White has made it clear that Aspinall will be “next in line” following the outcome of the Jones vs. Miocic fight, positioning him for a potential title shot against whoever holds the belt. This puts Aspinall in a prime position, with his next bout likely to be for the official UFC heavyweight title, regardless of what happens on November 16.

The heavyweight division has been in a state of uncertainty for over a year, but with Jones returning from injury and Aspinall standing ready, the path forward looks clearer. Jones and Miocic’s fight could be a turning point for the division, and with Aspinall’s explosive style and track record, he remains a crucial player in the future of the UFC heavyweight landscape.

UFC 309 will be broadcast live from Madison Square Garden, and fans are eagerly awaiting what could be a historic night for the heavyweight division. Whether Aspinall is needed or not, his presence adds an extra layer of intrigue and anticipation to an already stacked card.

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