Demetrious Johnson believes if Tom Aspinall beats UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, his star power would reach unparalleled heights.

Aspinall is one of the few fighters to have defended a UFC interim title, as the prize is usually a placeholder given in the absence of an injured or otherwise unavailable champion with a unification bout following in short order. As the Jones fight has not materialized, Aspinall is now the longest-reigning interim champion in UFC history.

Tom Aspinall has waited too long for Jon Jones to return for a UFC heavyweight title unification bout, and sympathy is no longer enough.