‘Switching over’ – UFC champ Tom Aspinall eyes WWE move after retiring from MMA in big career change as Jon Jones looms
TOM ASPINALL wants to cross over into the WWE after he’s finished conquering the mixed martial arts world.
The Wigan warrior is on the cusp of becoming the UFC‘s heavyweight champion and currently holds the interim version of the title.
A unification bout against the winner of undisputed titleholder Jon Jones‘ showdown with Stipe Miocic next month awaits the fan favourite.
Aspinall, 31, is adamant he’ll eventually reach the summit of the heavyweight mountain, although he doesn’t want to hang around for too long and become a relic of the sport.
And the Atherton Assassin is open to swapping the Octagon for the WWE ring once he brings the curtain down on what has already been a stellar career.
Speaking to SunSport at WWE Live in Manchester, he said: “When I have retired from MMA, I’m switching over to WWE.
“And I’m going to be the WWE heavyweight champ.”
Aspinall, who had one of the best seats in the house for Wednesday’s show, certainly has the stature and strength of a potential WWE superstar.
The UK’s third UFC champ stands at 6’5 and weighed a whopping 18 stone for his July demolition job of Curtis Blaydes.
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And he didn’t look out of place as he entered the ring and showed off his heavyweight hardware in front of a raucous crowd at the Co-op Live Arena following Cody Rhodes‘ shock introduction.
He also cut an impressive promo after being interrupted by WWE heavyweight champ Gunther, who received a chorus of booes for cutting off the local lad.
There is a path for Aspinall to enter the WWE as wrestling‘s premier promotion is under the same banner as the UFC.
The UFC joined forces with the WWE last year to form the TKO Group, which, as of last September, was valued at £16BILLION ($21.4B).
But his transition to the world of pro wrestling won’t happen until after he cements his legacy as the greatest heavyweight of all time.
A short-notice crack at the undisputed title could come Aspinall’s way if either Jones or Miocic are forced out of their rescheduled battle of legends.
Dana White and Co. have made him the official backup fighter for UFC’s 309 main event at Madison Square Garden.
Aspinall has made no secret of his desire to share the cage with Jones, saying after UFC 304: ” “I have nothing against Jon Jones as a person.
“But I think I’m the best heavyweight in the world. And if he thinks he’s the best heavyweight, then let’s settle it.
“It’s as simple as that, it’s not rocket science.
“There are two guys claiming to be the best heavyweight in the world. Let’s settle it.”
He added: “I’m the best heavyweight in the world. Prove me wrong, Jon. If you think you are, prove me wrong. It’s simple.”