The end of the GOAT. Daniel Cormier suggests transferring UFC heavyweight power to Tom Aspinall

The UFC heavyweight division has always been a stage for monumental clashes, and the potential fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall is no exception. However, former UFC double champion Daniel Cormier has stirred the pot by suggesting that fans should “start getting ready for life after Jon Jones.” This bold claim has sparked intense discussions among MMA enthusiasts about the future of the division and the potential rise of Tom Aspinall as the new king.

Cormier’s Vision for the Future of the Heavyweight Division

Daniel Cormier, who knows Jon Jones better than most after facing him twice in the Octagon, recently shared his thoughts on the looming possibility of a showdown between the reigning champion and interim heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall. Speaking on ESPN’s DC & RC, Cormier stated, “Start getting ready for life after Jon Jones.” This declaration didn’t just predict the outcome of a potential Jones vs. Aspinall fight—it hinted at the inevitable transition of power in the UFC heavyweight division.

Cormier emphasized that the sport moves quickly, and even dominant champions like Jon Jones cannot hold their thrones forever. While acknowledging Jones’ legendary career and status as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), Cormier pointed out that Aspinall’s explosive skill set and youthful energy could pose a real threat to Jones’ legacy.

Jon Jones’ Heavyweight Journey

Jon Jones, a fighter often regarded as the greatest in MMA history, made a successful move to heavyweight earlier this year. After vacating his light heavyweight title, he returned to claim the heavyweight championship by submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. His dominance in the division seemed inevitable, but injuries have sidelined him since. Despite his win against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, there are lingering questions about Jones’ longevity in the sport.

Jones’ heavyweight reign has been short but impactful. Yet, as Cormier suggested, the clock may be ticking for the 36-year-old fighter, especially with a hungry challenger like Tom Aspinall waiting in the wings.

Why Tom Aspinall Could Be the Heir to the Throne

Tom Aspinall, the British sensation, has taken the heavyweight division by storm. With a record of 13-3 and a spectacular victory over Sergei Pavlovich to secure the interim heavyweight title, Aspinall has cemented his position as one of the most exciting fighters in the division. His blend of speed, striking precision, and grappling ability makes him a nightmare matchup for any heavyweight, including Jon Jones.

Cormier highlighted Aspinall’s athleticism and fighting IQ as key factors that could trouble Jones. “Tom Aspinall is not just powerful; he’s technical, fast, and has the kind of movement we rarely see in heavyweights,” Cormier remarked. For Cormier, Aspinall’s skill set represents a new wave of heavyweights, capable of competing at an elite level in multiple facets of the game.

The Potential Passing of the Torch

If Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall were to meet in the Octagon, it wouldn’t just be another title fight—it would symbolize a generational shift. Jones’ undefeated record in title fights has made him an unshakable force in MMA, but Aspinall’s rise could be the beginning of the end for the Goat’s era.

Cormier’s statement about “life after Jon Jones” has fueled speculation that the UFC is preparing for a transition of power. The idea of Jones passing the torch to Aspinall aligns with the natural progression of the sport, where new stars emerge to take the place of legends.