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Introduction: The Talks Next Fight and Advocacy- UFC Champ T0M ASPINALL
UFC Champ T0M ASPINALL, is no stranger to waiting. Despite his dominance in the octagon, his next fight remains uncertain. The most logical matchup would be against Jon Jones, often hailed as the greatest MMA fighter of all time.
However, Jones’s future in the sport remains unclear—will he fight, retire, or switch weight classes? While fans eagerly anticipate an announcement, Aspinall stays patient, focused, and committed to making an impact beyond the cage—especially in raising awareness for autism.
Tom Aspinall’s Waiting Game
Aspinall has fought only once in the last 16 months, a frustrating reality for any athlete in their prime. The UFC Champ T0M ASPINALL flew him in as a backup for Jones’s fight against Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden in November, a move that, while practical, felt like an underwhelming role for a reigning champion. Still, Aspinall chose not to complain publicly.
Instead, he continues training and preparing for the opportunity that will inevitably come.
“It is what it is,” Aspinall said at the time, choosing not to criticize the UFC and risk professional consequences. His patience and composed demeanor set him apart from fighters who demand attention through public outbursts.
The Challenge of Facing Jon Jones
Jon Jones remains the biggest challenge and question mark in Aspinall’s career. If Jones decides to fight him, it could be one of the most anticipated matchups in UFC history. However, Jones has hinted at retirement, negotiations for higher pay, and possibly moving to another weight class. For Aspinall, the uncertainty is frustrating but not overwhelming.
Rather than letting it affect his mindset, he stays focused on his craft. “I mean, it could be if I chose for it to, if I chose to be stressed, anything could. I would try not to,” he says. His relaxed attitude shows wisdom beyond his years, understanding that success in MMA requires both patience and perseverance.
Aspinall’s Perspective on Fighting and Winning
When asked about the emotional highs and lows of MMA, Aspinall acknowledges that the fear of losing makes winning even sweeter. “The fear of not wanting to feel that s— feeling of losing makes winning better. If there was no such thing as losing, then it wouldn’t be as ecstatic to win.”
Although MMA is an aggressive sport, Aspinall admits he doesn’t enjoy getting punched. “I don’t really like getting punched and kicked. To be honest. I just don’t really enjoy it.” However, his love for the sport itself outweighs the physical pain. He views fighting as a deeply ingrained part of his identity, something he was meant to do.
Life Beyond the Octagon
Unlike many fighters, Aspinall doesn’t indulge in post-fight excess. He avoids gaining unnecessary weight between fights and sticks to a disciplined lifestyle. “I just like living a healthy lifestyle, having a routine. That’s when I’m mentally at my sharpest.”
Despite his rising fame, he remains grounded. His favorite fighter, Georges St-Pierre (GSP), once told him, “If you don’t like fame, just go lose.” While Aspinall acknowledges the pressures of fame, he prefers to focus on his personal and professional growth rather than public perception.
Balancing Family Life and Fighting Career
Aspinall has been balancing professional fighting with fatherhood since his early 20s. His three children have grown up knowing their dad as a professional athlete, making his career feel completely normal to them. “As long as they’ve been alive, I’ve been fighting professionally. It’s just completely normal for them.”
Despite his demanding schedule, he prioritizes spending time with his kids and enjoys the financial security that allows him to focus on family. “I wouldn’t choose to live any other way than going to the gym twice a day and spending time with my kids.”
Tom Aspinall’s Autism Awareness Advocacy
Aspinall’s advocacy for autism awareness is deeply personal. His eight-year-old son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, prompting him to learn more about the condition and speak openly about it. He highlights the difficulty many parents face in getting a diagnosis and the lack of resources available for families.
“In the U.K. now, it’s so difficult to get a diagnosis. Really, really difficult. And there’s a lot of lost parents out there who can’t get a diagnosis for their kids,” he explains. His goal is to use his platform to push for faster diagnoses and better support systems for children with autism and their families.
Exclusive Q&A with Tom Aspinall
Sports Illustrated: This uncertainty does not seem to be taxing you mentally. Does not seem to be stressing you out.
Tom Aspinall: I mean, it could be if I chose for it to, if I chose to be stressed, anything could. I would try not to. I’m trying not to. And just let’s just try and relax and enjoy it.
SI: What’s more intense? The joy of winning or the dejection of losing?
TA: Well, I’ve not lost many, right? So I’m a lot more experienced at winning than losing. It’s a good way to be. It’s the best way to be.
SI: What’s your relationship with fame?
TA: Up and down. It’s got a lot of good stuff about it. And a lot of the problems that I’ve got, they’re pretty good problems to have.
SI: Your work with autism figures prominently in your life. What do you want people to know?
TA: My goal is to make awareness more and get these diagnoses quicker. I know firsthand that there are hundreds of thousands of parents at the moment in the U.K. looking for answers because I was there.
Conclusion: UFC Champ T0M ASPINALL
UFC Champ T0M ASPINALL. He is a patient, disciplined fighter who understands the long game, whether in the octagon or in life. While he waits for clarity on his next fight, his focus remains sharp—both in training and in advocating for autism awareness. His ability to balance professional ambition with personal integrity makes him one of the most compelling figures in MMA today.
Disclaimer
This article: UFC Champ T0M ASPINALL Talks Next Fight and Advocacy is based on publicly available interviews and information. The status of Tom Aspinall’s next fight is subject to change. For the latest updates, refer to sources like the UFC’s official website, Sports Illustrated, and reputable sports news outlets.
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