UFC CEO Dana White has made a bold statement about the future of the UFC’s heavyweight division. Tom Aspinall currently holds the interim heavyweight belt after a stunning knockout of Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 last year. The event was originally scheduled with a clash between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic for the undisputed heavyweight title, but due to an injury suffered by Jones shortly before the fight, Aspinall and Pavlovich were booked as replacements for the card.

And in a recent conversation on Maxx Crosby’s podcast, the UFC boss highlighted that while the Jones vs. Miocic matchup will still happen, the winner of the clash will have to inevitably face Tom Aspinall. White also underscored the fact that a clash between the winner of that fight with Aspinall is a “courtesy” that is owed to the younger fighter!

Dana White wants the winner of Jones vs. Miocic to take on Tom Aspinall

During his appearance on Crosby’s podcast, White was asked about the possibility of a “dual GOAT retirement”, referring to the clash between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, and the chance that both men may choose to step away from the sport after their highly-anticipated clash.

But White responded by stating, “I think it depends on who wins, I mean, either guy that wins, how do you not fight Aspinall? ”

This led to the question being raised about Tom Aspinall being ‘the next guy in the division’ to which the UFC head honcho responded by revealing, “I think there’s a, um, it’s almost like a courtesy if you will, you know what I mean. Like if you’re looked at as one of the GOATS, you know whoever wins this fight it’s almost, it’s almost like a courtesy thing to give that guy the shot. You know, give him an opportunity to win, or you win, and just absolutely cement this. Nobody can poke holes in it, nobody can say anything about it.”

The comments from White shed light on the importance of the upcoming fight and its implications for the heavyweight division. It underscores the significance of giving deserving contenders like Aspinall a chance to prove themselves and highlights the intricate dynamics of title contention and the balancing act of honoring past achievements while acknowledging emerging talents.

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The discussion reflects White’s perspective on matchmaking and the role of respect within the sport, but it seems like not everyone agrees with the UFC and the boss’s decision on who gets to fight for the title!

‘Funky’ accuses White of not giving title shots to deserving fighters  

Former UFC welterweight fighter, Ben Askren, recently accused UFC CEO Dana White of favoritism, claiming that White’s preferences affect title shot opportunities for wrestlers and less flashy fighters. In a recent conversation with Daniel Cormier on the ‘Funky & Champ’ YouTube show, Askren stated, “I freaking hate it when Dana does this s*** and doesn’t give people he doesn’t like title shots.”

‘Funky’ criticized White’s decision-making, highlighting instances where fighters like Merab Dvalishvili and Belal Muhammad had impressive winning streaks but were overlooked for title shots. He stated, “It’s so frustrating to watch these guys just struggle and they’re so good.”

Do you agree with Dana White that Tom Aspinall is up next for the winner of Jones vs. Miocic? And what do you make of Ben Askren’s assertions about matchmaking in the UFC? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

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