LAS VEGAS – There’s a lot going on at the top of the UFC’s heavyweight division. But for Marcin Tybura, one thing is clear – Tom Aspinall is the biggest threat there is.
Tybura (25-8 MMA, 12-7 UFC), who headlines UFC on ESPN 61 (ESPN, ESPN+) this Saturday at UFC Apex in a rematch against Serghei Spivac (16-4 MMA, 7-4 UFC), sees Aspinall as the most dangerous fighter in the weight class despite Jon Jones still being on top as the UFC heavyweight champion and Aspinall the interim.
“I think so,” Tybura said at the UFC on ESPN 61 media day when asked if Aspinall was the most dangerous heavyweight. “He proved it in this (last) performance.”
Aspinall defended his interim title last month in the co-main event of UFC 304, stopping Curtis Blaydes in the first round. Tybura, a former foe of Aspinall’s, was taken away by the performance.
“I saw the fight, and it’s crazy,” Tybura explained. “It’s crazy to think what this guy is capable of, and where is the roof? That’s the only question right now. Who can stop him now? I cannot tell. Jon Jones in his prime time, maybe, but now he’s a little bit older and the skills might not be there. I don’t know. It’s crazy where he’s going.”
Jones is expected to return from injury in November to defend his belt against heavyweight legend Stipe Miocic. This fight was supposed to take place in November 2023, but Jones withdrew from the bout due to a torn pectoral muscle. It’s been suggested by both parties that their expected meet at Madison Square Garden could very well be their last.
If that were the case, Tybura has no problem seeing the winner of Jones vs. Miocic not fighting Aspinall to unify the belts.
“Saying that is like saying that somebody is a coward and don’t want to face Tom Aspinall, but these guys, Jon and Stipe did a lot for MMA and the divisions they were in,” Tybura said. “So whatever they decide. I still see it as, as long as those guys want to fight together and want to bring attention to the UFC and MMA, I’m cool with that. If the winner (retires) after the fight, hang up the gloves after the fight, I’m also cool with it.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 61.
