“If you want me to jump in, I can definitely jump in now,” the interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall confidently stated as the countdown to UFC 309 ticks closer. The Englishman is currently the backup for the legacy clash between Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones. However, the anticipation in the heavyweight division has intensified, thanks to a surprising insight from Francis Ngannou’s camp which concerns Aspinall.

For the unversed, ‘The Predator’ unceremoniously exited the promotion in 2023. But it seems that hopes of a potential contest against the UFC’s best is still alive in his camp. Just hearing that statement, you can almost feel the tension mounting. Xtreme Couture head coach, Eric Nicksick stated what he feels about the Brit in an interview with Kevin Iole on his YouTube channel, “I think Tom Aspinall is the biggest threat to Francis Ngannou.” This statement coming from within the team adds unexpected weight and is bound to leave us wondering, whether it is a calculated strategy for a future bout or just outside speculation.

Nicksick didn’t stop there; he highlighted Tom Aspinall’s recent achievements, noting, “I know what he’s capable of, and he’s been active. Aspinall is proving himself.” This endorsement from Nicksick makes perfect sense as we have been witnessing the Brit defy expectations. His fights are captivating, lighting up the octagon with his quick, strategic, and raw power. Unlike Jon Jones, who has had a staggered career in the past few years. On the other hand, Aspinall has maintained consistency and has been actively pitted against the division’s best. But again, why does Nicksick’s acknowledgment feel so significant?

Think about it, this isn’t just any coach making the statement. Nicksick knows exactly what it takes to stand against the sport’s heaviest hitters. Therefore, for him to publicly commend Aspinall, indeed speaks volumes about the Manchester native’s growing stature. There is so much confusion in place with Francis Ngannou shifting ever so slightly toward Jones’ side as he picked him to beat the UFC’s resident firefighter in their clash. The question arises, is the former UFC heavyweight king bracing for a potential war with the unpredictable power of Aspinall? Could we be witnessing a new rivalry forming before our eyes?

Is a potential Ngannou vs. Aspinall bout on the horizon?

Let’s pull back a little. While UFC battles play out in the octagon, there’s a whole world of influence and tension simmering behind the scenes. Nicksick’s views come from his firsthand interactions with Aspinall. He did get some work in with Aspinall at the Las Vegas facility and was captivated by his agility, stating that the Englishman “hits pads like some of (his) 145ers,” underlining his exceptional speed and precision. Although Nicksick couldn’t bring Aspinall into the camp directly for Ngannou’s preparation for his PFL debut, he still consulted with him, deepening their rapport and highlighting their mutual respect.

While Nicksick is best known for his work with Ngannou, the respect he garners within the MMA community reflects his open approach to coaching. His desire to test his skills against the best, regardless of their affiliation, is well-known. Moreover, with Aspinall recently admitting that facing Ngannou would be a “great fight,” hence, putting it all together, this newfound respect from Ngannou’s camp feels particularly meaningful.

For now, with a plethora of speculations existing, more and more doors open a new dimension to the heavyweight narrative. With UFC 309 around the corner, the spotlight isn’t solely on Ngannou, Jones, or even Stipe Miocic. It has subtly shifted towards another man, who’s quietly awaiting his moment to rise. Will Aspinall be the wildcard? The fighter who breaks through the noise and redefines the hierarchy? What’s your prediction for this highly anticipated clash? Let us know in the comments below!