Former UFC champion opens up and talks about the state of the heavyweight division: 'Don't stay on the bad side'

T. Aspinall watching A. Poatan prepare for fight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @tomaspinallofficial

In a state of uncertainty, the heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg) seems to be the main puzzle to be solved by Dana White and the... matchmakers from the UFC. With the departure of names like Jon Jones e Francis Ngannouadded to the serious injury suffered by Tom aspinall during the duel against Cyryl Ganeit may be up to Alex Poatán The mission is to bring media attention to the category. For Sean O'Malley, former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg), the Briton's relationship with the company's suits may not be the best.

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O'Malley reiterated the rumor that the UFC had informed Aspinall that the heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg) would be vacant. In this context, the fighter said that the last few years for the division have not been financially good for the company.

"The heavyweight division hasn't been very exciting, it hasn't been very interesting." Jon Jones It's practically over, DC has retired. The category isn't that much fun. The UFC wants Tom to give up the belt. Nobody wants to be on the wrong side of the UFC. It seems like they're going through a tough time,” the fighter said in the latest edition of his YouTube podcast, this Monday (16).

“You just don't want to be on the UFC's bad side.” -Sean O'Malley shares his thoughts on the heavyweight division and the situation surrounding Tom aspinall

“Heavyweight division's just kind of been not super exciting, not super interesting. Jon Jones That's pretty much done, DC's… pic.twitter.com/pSW8dJzVNV

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 16, 2026

O'Malley promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

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The UFC hasn't had a "legitimate" heavyweight title change in years.

Francis Ngannou He is a former UFC heavyweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter @francis_ngannou

Despite all the prestige that the "Badest Man on the Planet" category historically carries, for more than four years fans of the sport haven't had the opportunity to see a new champion crowned in a fight. Since the victory of... Francis Ngannou against Stipe MiocicIn September 2021, the belt became vacant once, and subsequently, an interim title had to be created, which was also not unified.