British UFC heavyweight sensation Tom Aspinall has unleashed a furious tirade against UFC president Dana White, accusing the promotion chief of "disrespecting" his interim championship status.
The Wigan-born fighter's explosive comments come after White confirmed plans to bypass Aspinall in favour of organising a legacy fight between current champion Jon Jones and former titleholder Stipe Miocic later this year.
A Champion in Waiting
Aspinall, who captured the interim heavyweight crown with a stunning 69-second knockout of Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 last November, finds himself in championship limbo despite his impressive credentials.
"I'm going to be honest, I'm pissed off with the whole situation," Aspinall declared during an emotional appearance on YouTube channel FREESTYLEBENDER. "I've been so respectful, I've done everything they've asked, and I feel like I'm getting completely overlooked."
The Jones-Miocic Conundrum
UFC boss White has repeatedly insisted that Jones versus Miocic remains the fight to make, despite growing fan demand to see Aspinall get his shot at undisputed gold.
"Dana White's recent comments have really rubbed me the wrong way," Aspinall revealed. "He's talking about 'real champions' and all this nonsense. I've got the belt around my waist, I'm the interim champion - that makes me a real champion in my eyes."
British Bulldog Bites Back
The 30-year-old Mancunian's frustration stems from what he perceives as disrespect toward his achievements and the volatile nature of the heavyweight division.
"I'm in my prime right now," Aspinall emphasised. "I'm healthy, I'm training hard, and I want to fight. This waiting around for a fight that might not even happen is frustrating beyond belief."
Aspinall's outburst marks a significant departure from his typically measured approach, signalling growing tension between the British star and UFC management over his championship prospects.
What Next for Britain's UFC Hope?
With no clear timeline for when - or if - he'll get his promised unification bout, Aspinall faces an uncertain future in the UFC's heavyweight landscape.
The situation highlights the complex politics of championship matchmaking in mixed martial arts, where fan demand, legacy considerations and business interests often collide.
As the British MMA community rallies behind their interim champion, all eyes remain on Dana White and UFC matchmakers to see if they'll grant Aspinall the opportunity he believes he's earned.
