The co-main event of UFC 295 features a short-notice battle for the interim UFC heavyweight title, as two of the division’s biggest rising stars face off for their first piece of UFC gold.
Russian contender Sergei Pavlovich has blasted his way to the top of the UFC’s heavyweight rankings. But, despite holding the top ranking spot, reigning champion Jon Jones opted instead for a legacy fight with former two-time champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 295, and Pavlovich was installed as the backup fighter.
But, with Jones tearing his shoulder during training, the undisputed title fight was scrapped from the card, and Pavlovich was called into action, with the interim heavyweight title the prize. Standing in his way is England’s Tom Aspinall, who has looked as good as anyone in the UFC’s top division, with only a torn knee slowing his charge to title contention.
But, following a demolition job on Marcin Tybura, Aspinall announced his return to full fitness in emphatic fashion. And now, with a shot at UFC gold offered to him on just a couple of weeks’ notice, Aspinall has grabbed the opportunity with both hands, and will battle Pavlovich for the interim crown in Saturday night’s co-main event at Madison Square Garden.
Ahead of the bout, the UFC’s Countdown cameras caught up with both fighters, and their teams, as they made their final preparations for their heavyweight championship matchup. Check it out via the video player below.