UFC criticized for not pushing Tom Aspinall enough despite being the "best heavyweight in the world" who "doesn't embarrass the company"

MMA journalist Ariel Helwani recently criticized the UFC for not promoting Tom Aspinall enough despite him being one of the top fighters in the promotion. Helwani commended Aspinall for being a company man and not causing any issues for the UFC brass.

Aspinall defeated Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 last weekend via first-round TKO. The Brit's performance further solidified his status as arguably the best heavyweight on the planet, further intensifying demands for a title unification bout with Jon Jones.

Despite the Englishman's frequent call-outs to Jones, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion is anticipated to face former champion Stipe Miocic later this year. Following UFC 304, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Aspinall could serve as backup for that bout, which is rumored to be in November.

During an episode of The MMA Hour, Helwani slammed the UFC for denying Aspinall the opportunity to challenge for the undisputed title, saying:

''The guy [Aspinall] is a dream... He's a family man, he doesn't disrespect the company, and he doesn't embarrass the company... It blows my mind that they're not getting behind him in the ways I think they should get behind him.''

He added:

''They've got something very special, and he's the best heavyweight in the world, and I don't even think it's a debate... He is the best heavyweight in the world in my opinion and that interim belt is a hell of a lot more real than Jones' belt if you ask me.”

Check out Ariel Helwani's comments below:

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Tom Aspinall should quit being a nice guy, according to Brendan Schaub

Former UFC heavyweight Brendan Schaub recently expressed his thoughts on Tom Aspinall potentially serving as a backup fighter for the Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic fight. Schaub encouraged the Englishman to quit being "bullied" and stick up for himself.

Schaub spoke on the matter in a recent YouTube video that was re-posted on X, saying:

''You're a goddamn 1%-er, you gotta start acting like it. What I'm saying is, stick up for yourself, dude. Right now, you're getting bullied... When have we seen a f**king alternate be more talented than the two guys f**king fighting? I'm not saying go against the UFC, I'm not saying talk sh*t to them, that's not the way to go. I'm saying, stick up for yourself."

Check out Brendan Schaub's comments below: