UFC champ Tom Aspinalls dad wants son to quit MMA | Boxing News

Tom Aspinall’s father and coach, Andy, has revealed that he would favor his son to transition into boxing moderately than renewing his current UFC contract. Aspinall, the reigning heavyweight champion, is set to defend his prestigious gold title on Saturday night time against Ciryl Gane. The British star hasn’t been seen in motion since his brutal knockout of Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in Manchester in July 2024.

The Brit secured the interim title back in 2023 after defeating Sergei Pavlovich, before efficiently defending it against Blaydes. Aspinall was anticipated to face Jon Jones this yr, but the American failed to publicly commit to preventing the Wigan warrior and subsequently retired. As a outcome, Aspinall was promoted to undisputed champion. With his reign as champion just starting, it seems he is probably not in the game for the long haul if his father will get his method.

Speaking to RMC Sport forward of UFC 321, Andy disclosed that his son only has three fights left on his UFC contract, and he is not keen to see him re-sign with the promotion.

Instead, he would love to see Tom pursue more profitable alternatives in boxing. “Boxing for sure,” Aspinall Sr responded when requested if he would favor Tom to be an MMA or boxing champion.

“The money is more money. He has three more fights on the contract, and I don’t want to sign a new contract personally.” Aspinall Jr possesses some restricted expertise within the squared circle.

His sole outing in boxing occurred in 2017 when he delivered a brutal first-round knockout victory over Tamas Bajzath. Despite his popularity for being a full fighter, Aspinall has developed fairly a tendency for leaving opponents unconscious – with 12 of his 15 victories achieved via knockout.

The British UFC champion has even engaged in sparring periods with Tyson Fury on a number of events while both had been under the tutelage of Fury’s uncle, Peter Fury, during the early to mid-2010s.

Should Aspinall transition to boxing on a full-time foundation, it would not symbolize the first event a UFC fighter has made the crossover to the ring.

In 2017, Conor McGregor confronted Floyd Mayweather in the squared circle, though in the end suffered a knockout defeat in the tenth spherical. Since that time, UFC boss Dana White has ventured into the boxing world through TKO Group boxing organisation.

Following this development, quite a few UFC stars, including Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria, have voiced their ambition to compete in the boxing ring. Whilst Aspinall stays eager on making the transition, it is one thing he is not considering at current.

“Maybe, but it’s not something I give a lot of great thought to,” he told talkSPORT. “I never think too far in the future anyway – maybe one day I’ll do it if I do well and take out the whole division.

“I’ve acquired some boxing expertise, but I’m by no means a world-level boxer. That’s why I’m not trying an excessive amount of into it proper now. If the chance comes down the road, and I’m in a good place to do it, I’ll do it. Right now, that’s not of curiosity.”

When is Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane?

Aspinall’s bout with Gane is scheduled for tonight (October 25) at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The duo’s encounter will top the UFC 321 pay-per-view invoice.

Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida will also characteristic on the cardboard – apparently battling for the main heavyweight challenger place.

A lightweight-heavyweight battle between Aleksandar Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov has likewise been confirmed, while Mitch Raposo will face Azat Maksum.

The co-main event options Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern competing for the vacant girls’s strawweight crown.

The preliminary card broadcast will probably be accessible to TNT Sports subscribers on TNT Sports 4 and via TNT Sports Box Office for all viewers in the UK and Ireland from 5pm. The main card is set to start at 7pm UK time.

In the headline event, Gane is predicted to make his entrance to the cage first at roughly 9.30pm UK time, with Aspinall following immediately after. The timings of all bouts are subject to change and will rely on the period of the undercard.

Viewers in the UK and Ireland can completely watch the main card live on TNT Sports Box Office for a price of £19.99.