UFC legend Daniel Cormier wants to see interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall upgraded to full champion.
Aspinall was crowned interim champion when he knocked out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 in November, but with undisputed title holder Jon Jones injured, it is unknown as to when the American will make the next defence of his title.
Jones was originally set to defend his title in the main event of UFC 295 against Stipe Miocic before injury struck, and it looks like the UFC will try to rebook the contest for 2024.
Speaking on The MMA Hour, Cormier believes that if Jones vs. Miocic is going to be made, there should be no belt on the line and instead give Aspinall the full title.
“If Jones and Stipe are only going to fight each other, you cannot have Tom Aspinall defend the interim championship,” Cormier stated.
“Jones and Stipe don’t need the title to be on the line. They can just fight, and that’s enough. Call it for ‘The Greatest of All Time.’ It doesn’t matter. Create a belt.
“Tom Aspinall is the guy who’s going to lead the heavyweight division for years to come.
"So yes, I believe that he should be the undisputed champ. Jones is the undisputed champion – he earned it in the octagon by beating Ciryl Gane. But if he’s only going to fight Stipe, and that’s not for another seven months?
"You put Tom Aspinall as the champ, and I don’t think anybody would bat an eyelid.”