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Dan Hardy believes that the upcoming bout between Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes should decide the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion. Aspinall, who currently holds the interim title after a knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 in November 2023, is set to face Blaydes in a highly anticipated rematch.
Jon Jones, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, has been inactive since March 2023 due to an injury that prevented him from defending his title against Stipe Miocic last year. Despite this, the UFC still has plans to schedule a fight between Jones and Miocic, both of whom hold legendary status in the sport. Miocic, however, has not competed since March 2021.
In an interview with Kaz Crossley on the Title Sports Network, Dan Hardy expressed his excitement for the UFC 304 event in Manchester, highlighting the significance of the Aspinall vs. Blaydes matchup.
“It’s going to be a great card, there’s some real superstars on the card, and I’m glad to see Tom Aspinall back on home soil,” Hardy said.
Hardy strongly feels that the UFC 304 event should feature a fight for the official heavyweight title, rather than the interim belt.
“It’s unfortunate that it’s not for the actual belt because I do think it’s time,” Hardy remarked. “What is it, 511 days on the date that Jon Jones has not been active? And that was the same point that Conor McGregor was stripped of his title… For me, I think they should make it [Aspinall vs. Blaydes] the official title and put it as the main event.”
UFC CEO Dana White has reiterated multiple times that the organization plans to book Jones vs. Miocic, acknowledging the legendary status of both fighters. Yet, given Miocic's long absence from competition, Hardy’s call for a definitive title fight between Aspinall and Blaydes highlights the urgency for clarity in the heavyweight division.
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