Tom Aspinall may be a UFC heavyweight star, but his insights into combat sports go far beyond his own experiences in the Octagon.
With a new boxing league backed by Dana White, TKO, and Saudi investors on the horizon, Aspinall has strong opinions on what this could mean for fighters — especially when it comes to weight cutting, pay structures, and the future of both sports.
The Dangers of Extreme Weight Cutting
While Aspinall has never had to endure drastic weight cuts himself due to his natural heavyweight build, he’s witnessed the damaging effects it has on other fighters.
“I personally don’t like extreme weight cutting, I think it’s dangerous,” Aspinall shared.
“If you dehydrate your body and your brain, then get punched the next day by someone who really hits hard — that’s just not safe.”
He described seeing fighters in shocking physical states during weight cuts, recalling moments where he doubted they could even fight the next day.
Despite his concerns, Aspinall understands why some fighters pursue this risky strategy to gain a size advantage in their division.
UFC vs. Boxing Structure
The upcoming boxing league is expected to mirror the UFC’s model, where contenders must prove themselves to earn a title shot.
While this approach brings clarity to UFC rankings, Aspinall questions whether it can work in boxing.
“In the UFC, you know who the champion is,” he said.
“In boxing, there are already multiple champions in each division. If they strip those belts away, what happens to those champions? It’s not that simple.”
Even in the UFC, Aspinall has experienced the frustrating delays that come with title fights.
As the interim heavyweight champion, he’s been waiting to face Jon Jones, but ongoing negotiations and delays have kept the match from being finalized.
Fighter Pay: A Critical Issue
One of the biggest contrasts between boxing and MMA is the financial gap.
Elite boxers often earn massive paydays, while UFC fighters, even champions, typically take home far less.
With Dana White’s new boxing league in play, Aspinall speculates this could shake things up.
“Either UFC fighters will get paid more, or boxers will get paid less,” he predicted.
“I don’t think boxers will agree to smaller paydays, so I imagine UFC fighters could finally see better wages.”
Aspinall openly admitted he’d love to see UFC paydays rival those seen in boxing.
“If I could get £30 million like those guys, that would be amazing!” he joked.
The Power Dynamic in Combat Sports
White’s influence over the UFC has shaped the sport significantly, and Aspinall sees pros and cons to one man holding such control.
“Rivalry and competition between organizations is healthy,” he said.
“But I do like that in the UFC, you know exactly who the best fighter is in each division. That clarity is something boxing lacks.”
Words of Wisdom for Future Fighters
Before digging into his well-earned Nando’s order, Aspinall shared some advice for young fighters looking to join the UFC or the upcoming boxing league.
“Enjoy yourself,” he emphasized.
“Combat sports are brutal — physically and mentally. If you’re not enjoying it, it’s going to be a long, painful road.”
He encouraged fighters to prioritize their well-being, reminding them to stay grounded and focus on what truly matters: loving the sport.