Aspinall, 32, had been chasing a title-unifying bout against Jon Jones, his predecessor, who held the heavyweight belt until June, before he retired from mixed martial arts, allowing for Aspniall to be promoted from interim to undisputed champion. Aspinall fought Curtis Blaydes in his last outing back in July last year, knocking him out within one minute of the first round in Manchester. He exacted his revenge for the defeat inflicted on him two years previously in London.

