Tom Aspinall Rebuilt His Heavyweight Run
Tom Aspinall’s July 23, 2022, meeting with Curtis Blaydes ended after fifteen seconds because of a knee injury. Three victories after his return carried him from that abrupt setback to recognition as the UFC’s undisputed heavyweight champion in June 2025.
A quick finish on his return
Aspinall returned to competition against Marcin Tybura in London on July 22, 2023. He won by technical knockout at 1:13 of the opening round, restarting his campaign almost a year after the injury.
The result put him back into the heavyweight championship picture. His next appearance brought a different opponent and the opportunity to compete for an interim title.
Two interim championship victories
At UFC 295 on November 11, 2023, Aspinall knocked out Sergei Pavlovich at 1:09 of the first round. The victory made him interim heavyweight champion.
He defended that championship against Blaydes at UFC 304 on July 27, 2024. Their rematch ended after one minute, with Aspinall winning by first-round technical knockout and reversing the result of their injury-shortened opening encounter.
Promotion to undisputed champion
On June 21, 2025, Dana White announced that Jon Jones had informed the UFC he was retiring. White also confirmed Aspinall’s promotion from interim to undisputed heavyweight champion.
That announcement completed this stage of Aspinall’s comeback. The three victories over Tybura, Pavlovich and Blaydes had all ended in the opening round, progressing from a successful return to an interim championship and its defense before the promotion.
Sources
- UFC: Aspinall’s injury, return and championship fight history
- UFC: Jones retirement announcement and Aspinall’s June 2025 promotion
