Tom Aspinall says that he believes he will be the next heavyweight champion in the UFC. Aspinall had a lot to say to UFC.com regarding recovery, his return and his title ambitions.
Almost a year to the day of his last fight, Aspinall returns to the octagon this Saturday against Marcin Tybura for UFC London and is feeling “the best ever.”
Tom Aspinall – The Next Heavyweight Champion?
For Aspinall, the majority of the past year has been incredibly tough to deal with. He suffered a torn MCL and ACL against Curtis Blaydes last July in a fight that he was eager to make a statement in. He was within reach of a title shot then, but the momentum that he built up was cruelly stripped away from him in 15 seconds flat.
Recovery was hard both physically and mentally. Aspinall has spoken about the pain and guilt he went through after the injury, but he is in a different place now. “I feel like that year off helped me find what’s right for my body,” he said to UFC.com. “It helped me figure myself out more as an athlete.”
On his title hopes, he said: “[Tybura] got me at the worst time he could ever get me because I am unbelievably hungry right now. I am ready to show everybody that I am just the next heavyweight champion, honestly. I’m ready to show everybody what I’m all about.”
Tom Aspinall vs Marcin Tybura
No one is doubting Aspinall’s ability or title ambitions. There is no reason that this talented heavyweight cannot challenge for gold based on his achievements so far. The 30-year-old was a much-needed breath of fresh air for the heavyweight division. Before the Blaydes fight, he mercilessly took out all but one of his opponents in the first round.
Aspinall is an impressive athlete. He is sharp, fast and powerful and he is also a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt. When faced with what was supposed to be his biggest threat in Alexander Volkov, Aspinall blew through him and secured a submission win in just over half a round.
Fighting Tybura next makes sense for Aspinall. The 37-year-old Polish fighter is ranked at number 10, and has won seven of his last eight fights. The majority of the top 10 already have fights booked, so the Tybura fight is the right call for a fit again Aspinall.
Tybura is experienced, but can he pose a threat to Aspinall? The Blaydes fight surely would have been a challenge, but so far no one has pushed him. Aspinall has never seen a third round, so maybe this could play to Tybura’s advantage.
The Mancunian will have a speed and power advantage though, and will be looking to end the fight early. Tybura’s game plan could include takedowns and top control, but Aspinall is not easy to take down and lands an average of 7.41 strikes per minute. It could be a very difficult night for Tybura.
After all the rehab, recovery and training, Aspinall is finally ready to compete again. He has a point to prove, and has the chance to get back on track this Saturday night at UFC London.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
