Who Will Aspinall Face Next? Pereira, Gane, or a Rising Contender?

With Jon Jones officially retired from MMA, the UFC has elevated Tom Aspinall to full heavyweight champion. Now, the question on everyone's mind is: Who will Aspinall face in his first title defense? Let's break down the top contenders.

Ciryl Gane (13-2)

France's Ciryl Gane is the leading contender for Aspinall's first defense. At 35, Gane is a seasoned fighter with two world title attempts under his belt. Despite a less-than-convincing performance against Alexander Volkov in his last fight, Gane remains one of the division's best. The UFC's upcoming Paris event could hint at Dana White's plans for Gane, but it's unclear if he'll get the nod for the title shot.

Alex Pereira (12-3)

Alex Pereira is the dark-horse option. A two-weight world champion, Pereira has expressed interest in moving up to heavyweight. Although he lost the light-heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev in March, Pereira remains a compelling opponent for Aspinall. A super-fight between these two could be a massive draw for fans, especially in the wake of Jones' retirement.

Jailton Almeida (22-3)

Jailton Almeida, currently ranked sixth, is another potential challenger. With only one loss since 2018 and impressive submission skills, Almeida could pose a unique challenge for Aspinall. His recent victories over Alexander Romanov and Serghei Spivac have solidified his position as a rising star in the division.

Alexander Volkov (38-11)

Russia's Alexander Volkov is also in the mix. Despite being defeated by Aspinall in 2022, Volkov has been on a strong run with victories over Tai Tuivasa, Sergei Pavlovich, and Jairzinho Rozenstruik. With 24 knockouts in 38 wins, Volkov could be an attractive option for a high-octane slugfest.

The Final Decision

While Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira are the frontrunners, the UFC may opt for a fresh matchup with Jailton Almeida or a rematch with Alexander Volkov. Aspinall's first title defense promises to be a thrilling event, regardless of the opponent.

Stay tuned for more updates on Aspinall's next fight and the latest in the world of MMA.