This confidence stems from what he interprets as a strong signal from the UFC leadership. Aspinall, who was prepared as a backup fighter for the night's main event, watched closely as Jones demolished Stipe Miocic with a devastating spinning back kick to the body.

Jon Jones, boasting a formidable 28-1 MMA and 22-1 UFC record, took to the microphone with Joe Rogan post-fight and dispelled any retirement rumors, pledging to continue his fighting career. From his vantage point at cageside, Aspinall listened intently and was particularly attentive when he heard his name mentioned during Jones' speech.

Aspinall recounted the moment on ESPN's post-fight show, highlighting a significant interaction with UFC President Dana White and UFC Chief Business Officer Hunter Campbell. "Both of them turned to me at the same time and pointed at me and winked. At the same time. So to me, that says there's something big in the pipeline," Aspinall explained.

Having been a part of the fight week activities in New York, even without the certainty of needing to step in as a backup fighter, Aspinall's trip concluded with a renewed sense of optimism. He strongly believes that the next encounter between him and Jones will be to determine the undisputed heavyweight champion.

Dana White's previous statements that the winner of UFC 309's main event would next face Aspinall have only bolstered the Englishman's expectations. "This is massive," Aspinall emphasized. "This is potentially one of the biggest fights in MMA right now. If that doesn't interest Jon Jones, then I don't know what else we can do. Everybody knows that this is the fight to make."

With both the UFC brass and the fans showing clear interest, Aspinall is set on proving that he is the best heavyweight in the world in what could be one of the most anticipated matchups in recent MMA history.