Like so many other champions in the UFC today, Tom Aspinall would one day like to move to the sweet science, at least for some fun.
Since Conor McGregor took part in one of the biggest fights of all time, crossing over to box Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2017, numerous UFC champions have tried to lobby for a shift over to boxing, and the increased paycheck that comes with it. And heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is no exception.
In a video Aspinall posted to his YouTube over the weekend, the UFC heavyweight
champion is training with influencer boxer Tommy Fury and chatting about a number of things, when Fury asks Aspinall about moving to boxing, which prompts this response.
“I don’t know,” Aspinall said. “I’d never be a world — I won’t try and be a world champion [in boxing]. You need to dedicate your life to be world champion. I was [good at boxing], but I’ve spent my whole life doing MMA now. I’m nearly 33 now. So, for me to be like 33 and think I’m gonna win a world title in boxing is unrealistic.”
Aspinall is far from the only fighter to share these sorts of ambitions. Ilia Topuria won the lightweight title this summer and already has designs on leaving MMA for the squared circle in the near future, and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou did actually leave for a foray into boxing. But while most UFC champions are calling for boxing fights against some of the best pugilists on the planet, Aspinall, at least, seems to realize that’s not a competition he can win.
Instead, Aspinall has a much more reasonable take on what a boxing run might look like and acknowledges that, first, he has his MMA career to focus on.
“I could have a couple like, not freak-show fights but big fights,” Aspinall said. “A big name or something. …
“I wouldn’t mind boxing an MMA fighter. I think [Ngannou] would be good. I’ve got fights in the UFC to do first.”
Aspinall recently made the first defense of his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, but the fight ended in a no-contest after Aspinall suffered an eye injury in the first round from illegal pokes. Aspinall is still in recovery from that, but is expected to run things back with Gane next year.
TOP STORIES
Boxing. Ilia Topuria says it won’t be ‘too long’ before he leaves MMA for boxing.
What. Former UFC fighter Alex Garcia arrested in near-$2 million cocaine raid. Huh.
Vacation. Paddy Pimblett sees a scenario where he goes from interim champion to undisputed champion with Ilia Topuria out of the equation.
Warning. Manel Kape sends warning message to Joshua Van after UFC Vegas 112 win, Van responds.
All good? There is no beef between the UFC and Arman Tsarukyan, according to Dana White.
Shudder. Check out this disgusting broken leg from a show in Brazil at your own risk.
VIDEO STEW
UFC Vegas 112 Post Show.
Every finish from UFC Vegas 112.
The UFC’s thank you package for ESPN.
Daniel Cormier reacts to UFC Vegas 112.
Submission Radio with Jed Meshew.
FLAVOR IN YOUR EAR
On To the Next One. MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck and Alexander K. Lee debate whether Manel Kape or Tatsura Taira are next for flyweight champion Joshua Van after Kape’s incredible knockout of Brandon Royval, plus more matchup picks for UFC Vegas 112’s big winners
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Onward.
Do it.
What a nice young man.
Same, champ. Same.
Khabib knows how to party.
Merab isn’t mad. Definitely not stuck on this.
Heck yeah.
Something to look forward to.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Kyoji Horiguchi (35-5) vs. Amir Albazi (17-2); UFC Vegas 113, Feb. 7
Brandon Moreno (23-9-2) vs. Asu Almabayev (23-3); UFC Mexico City, Feb. 28
Macy Chiasson (10-5) vs. Ailin Perez (12-2); UFC Mexico City, Feb. 28
Edgar Chairez (12-6, 1 NC) vs. Felipe Bunes (14-8); UFC Mexico City, Feb. 28
Imanol Rodriguez (6-0) vs. Kevin Borjas (10-4); UFC Mexico City, Feb. 28
Jose Medina (11-6) vs. Ryan Gandra (8-1); UFC Mexico City, Feb. 28
Wesley Schultz (8-2) vs. Damian Pinas (8-1); UFC Mexico City, Feb. 28
Costello van Steenis (17-3) vs. Fabian Edwards (16-4); PFL Madrid, March 20
A.J. McKee (23-2) vs. Adam Borics (20-3); PFL Madrid, March 20
FINAL THOUGHTS
I respect that Tom at least isn’t lying about his boxing aspirations. This is something to do for fun and money, you’re not going to beat anyone good. Much better to at least own it.
But man, it would be way cooler if MMA paid champions like real professional athletes so they weren’t always looking for the first exit ramp outta here. Imagine if Tom Brady won the Super Bowl and then was like, “Cool, now that I’ve done that, what I’d really like to do is play baseball.”
Alas, such is our sport.
EXIT POLL
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