Sun Jun 29 12:00:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**Shaquille O’Neal Makes Surprise UFC Appearance, Admits MMA Ignorance But Eyes Tom Aspinall**

**LAS VEGAS** – Basketball icon Shaquille O’Neal made a surprise appearance at the UFC Hall of Fame ceremony in Las Vegas, addressing the media about the upcoming UFC event. However, “Shaq” confessed he isn’t as familiar with the current MMA landscape as he once was.

When questioned about the Ilia Topuria vs. Charles Oliveira fight, O’Neal admitted, “I don’t know those fighters, I’m sorry. I’m usually familiar with everyone, but I’ve been working too hard and I’m a creature of habit. When I have my fighters, I stick with them. So I’m still with Conor McGregor, Jon Jones…”

Despite his admitted lack of current knowledge, O’Neal expressed interest in rising heavyweight star Tom Aspinall, the new heavyweight champion following Jon Jones’ retirement. “I’m interested in this guy, Tom Aspinall… so I’ll probably watch him.” Aspinall’s emergence is widely believed to be a significant factor in Jones’ decision to announce his retirement from the sport in 2025.

O’Neal also named James Johnson as the basketball player he would see competing in MMA. When pressed to name the greatest MMA fighter of all time, O’Neal demurred, saying, “I can not choose just one, I think it would be disrespectful to others. I came when they started Vitor Belfort, I remember ‘Cabbage’, Tank Abbott, Chuck Liddell, Tito… So I can not choose just one. As a fan, I have enjoyed watching all those guys compete. I have publicly said that these are probably the best athletes in the world.”

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