After months of being stuck in a holding pattern, Tom Aspinall is ready to roar back into the cage.
The UFC interim heavyweight champion says an official fight announcement is just around the corner—bringing an end to a long spell of behind-the-scenes frustration caused by what he bluntly calls “politics outside of the cage.”
Speaking at the launch of his new clothing collaboration with Champion, the 32-year-old Brit hinted at exciting developments.
“I’ve got a fight coming up soon,” he told Mail Sport.
“I can’t reveal anything yet, but fans won’t have to wait much longer.”
Frustrations With UFC Politics
Aspinall has been on the sidelines since July 2024, when he got sweet revenge against Curtis Blaydes, the man who had previously beaten him.
Since then, fans—and critics—have questioned why the division’s most exciting star hasn’t had another bout lined up.
Now, he’s opening up about the reality behind the delay: internal politics.
“This is the first time I’ve really seen how political this sport can be,” he admitted.
“It’s part of competing at the top, and not something I’d experienced much until the last 10 months.
But I do believe it’ll all work out in the end.”
Jon Jones Fight? Not His Problem
Despite ongoing speculation about a dream matchup with Jon Jones, Aspinall isn’t losing sleep over it.
When asked if he can truly claim to be the best without facing Jones, his answer was calm and grounded.
“That’s not for me to decide,” he shrugged.
“I’ve never ducked anyone.
I just fight who they put in front of me.
That’s all I can do.”
How a Brutal Injury Changed His Mindset
Tom may be one of the UFC’s scariest contenders today, but he wasn’t always this fearless.
A serious knee injury in 2022 forced him into a deep personal reckoning.
“Back then, I had built-in excuses,” he admitted.
“It was a way to protect myself if I failed.
But during my recovery, I had tough conversations with myself.
Now, I don’t fear failure anymore.
If I give everything and still lose, I can live with that.”
Embracing the Risk and the Ridicule
That internal shift has made a world of difference.
Aspinall is now all-in, willing to take big risks without worrying what others think.
“Most people don’t even try because they’re afraid of failing or being judged,” he said.
“People love to watch you fall.
But I’m done worrying about that.
I’m not scared of trying my best and coming up short.”
Social Media? Sometimes He Just Logs Off
Like many athletes, Aspinall has a love-hate relationship with online comments.
He’s human, after all.
“Sometimes I get caught up reading the comments,” he said.
“Then I delete Instagram for a week.
But I’ve had so many thrown at me now, it doesn’t really affect me the way it used to.”
Sacrifice Is the Cost of Greatness
To make it to the top, Aspinall has had to give up more than most people realize.
From social events to financial stability, he’s sacrificed nearly everything.
“Fighters give up a lot,” he said.
“But to be elite, it’s constant.
I’ve had to let go of food, parties, even money.
There was a time I had absolutely none.
But I kept going.”
The Drive? It’s Not About Glory
Even though he’s already accomplished his dream of being a full-time fighter, Aspinall says he’s not ready to stop.
Not even close.
“I just love MMA,” he said.
“More than anyone I know.
I don’t even need motivation.
I get excited about testing myself, seeing what the other guy brings.
Is it grappling? Is it elbows? That unknown is what drives me.”
MMA Has Taught Him Who He Really Is
Fighting, he says, has been the ultimate mirror.
It’s shown him his true self—especially how incredibly determined he is.
“People don’t understand how hard this is,” he said.
“Most would skip a session if they’re sore or tired.
I’ve been pushing through those days for 20 years.
I block out the voice saying ‘rest’ and keep going.”
How Long Can He Keep It Up?
Aspinall doesn’t pretend to have all the answers about how long his career will last.
“Maybe I’ve got two fights left, maybe 20,” he said.
“But right now, I’m not even thinking about that.
I still want more.”
Still Hungry, Still Grinding
His eyes are still fixed on the biggest prize—not just becoming the best, but staying there and eventually leaving the sport on his own terms.
“I want to finish my career with everything intact,” he said.
“Healthy, clear-minded, and proud.”
And what would he tell his 10-year-old self, the kid who first dreamed of wearing the UFC belt?
“I’d say, you’ve done pretty well so far… but we’re not done yet.
Keep pushing.
Keep enjoying every bit of it.”
A Champion in Every Sense
As Aspinall gears up for his next bout, he’s also celebrating the start of a long-term partnership with Champion, marked by the release of his own apparel line: HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION—available now at championstore.com.
He’s got the mindset, the momentum, and soon, the next opponent.
What’s next for Tom Aspinall? Only time—and maybe the UFC matchmakers—will tell.