Following Jon Jones’s recent retirement, the UFC’s heavyweight division enters a new era, with a spotlight on this weekend’s main event in Nashville between veteran Derrick Lewis and rising prospect Tallison Teixeira.
Jones’s departure, though deserved for the 37-year-old widely considered the greatest of all time, has left the division in a state of flux. His decision to retire after a six-month delay without fighting Tom Aspinall created a sense of anticlimax. While Jones has re-entered the anti-doping pool, with UFC CEO Dana White confirming a potential return, the heavyweight class must move forward.
With Jones out, Tom Aspinall (15-3) has been promoted from interim to undisputed champion and awaits the announcement of his first title defense. Meanwhile, this weekend’s card pits Lewis (28-12), a 10-year veteran and fan favorite, against Teixeira, a 25-year-old who has finished all eight of his professional opponents in the first round. This matchup highlights the key questions now facing the division as it seeks new stars and compelling contenders.
In the post-Jones landscape, few immediate threats to Aspinall’s reign are apparent. While any heavyweight possesses knockout power, Aspinall has already defeated three of the top six contenders—Curtis Blaydes, Alexander Volkov, and Sergei Pavlovich—all within the first round. His dominance is compounded by his relative youth in a division of veterans, suggesting a potentially long reign.
The most viable challenger may be Ciryl Gane, whose raw talent and physical attributes could present a formidable test for Aspinall if he can refine his skill set and mental approach. A rivalry between the two could define the division for years to come.
To reignite interest in a class that has felt stagnant, the UFC could pursue a superfight between Aspinall and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. Such a bout would generate significant excitement, but Pereira remains focused on his own division. A more immediate, though less conventional, option could be a title shot for Derrick Lewis. Should the 40-year-old score an impressive knockout in Nashville, the UFC might fast-track the popular veteran for a championship opportunity to capitalize on fan interest.
Aspinall’s legacy, however, may be shaped by the division’s perceived lack of depth. His list of challengers will inevitably be compared to the roster of legendary opponents Jon Jones faced during his light heavyweight championship run, which included Mauricio “Shogun” Rua, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, and Daniel Cormier.
While Aspinall may not have the opportunity to build a résumé of household names, he can forge a unique legacy through sheer dominance. With all but one of his 15 victories coming by first-round stoppage, continued performances of that caliber will create their own historical significance. He also earns credit as the champion who effectively prompted Jones’s retirement without ever stepping into the octagon with him.
The future of the division hinges on the emergence of new talent like Teixeira. Given the need for fresh contenders, the 25-year-old has a clear path to a title shot within the next few years. His performance against a seasoned veteran like Lewis will be a crucial test of whether he is ready to ascend and challenge for the heavyweight throne.
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