Tom Aspinall's Bold Plan: Two More Matches Before 2025 Retirement

🎗 28

In the violent chess match that is mixed martial arts, no division embodies risk more than the UFC heavyweight division. One punch can flip a career, one mistake can shatter momentum, and champions often find themselves fighting just once a year, sometimes less. Yet Tom Aspinall, the current UFC heavyweight champion and Britain’s brightest MMA star, has thrown convention out the window.

Fresh off a dominant performance at UFC 321, Aspinall shocked fans by declaring that he doesn’t just want a quick turnaround — he wants two more fights before the year ends. That’s not just ambition; that’s borderline unheard of for a heavyweight champion.

So why does Aspinall want this grueling schedule? Who could realistically stand across the Octagon from him in the next few months? And most importantly, what does this reveal about his mindset, the UFC’s business strategy, and the future of the division?

This article takes a deep dive into Tom Aspinall’s bold plan, analyzing his rise, the significance of his post-321 comments, potential matchups, UFC’s promotional angle, and whether this quest for activity could build his legacy — or derail it.

Tom Aspinall: The Modern Heavyweight Blueprint

Before dissecting his ambitious schedule, it’s worth understanding how Tom Aspinall became the fighter he is today.

A Versatile Martial Arts Foundation

Unlike many heavyweights who specialize in one area, Aspinall has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and boxing from an early age. This dual background gave him a rare foundation — the grappling skill to submit opponents and the striking sharpness to knock them out.

Explosive UFC Debut

Aspinall burst onto the UFC scene in July 2020, finishing Jake Collier in under a minute. That debut was a statement: this wasn’t a fighter who played it safe. Every time he stepped into the cage, fans expected fireworks.

Climbing the Ranks

Since then, Aspinall has built a résumé filled with highlight finishes:

Alexander Volkov – Dominated and submitted a former title challenger.
Marcin Tybura – Dispatched quickly with clinical striking.
Sergei Pavlovich – Knocked out one of the division’s scariest punchers to claim interim gold.

From Interim to Undisputed

When he claimed interim heavyweight gold at UFC 295, Aspinall’s legitimacy was unquestionable. By the time UFC 321 rolled around, he had transitioned from a promising contender to a full-fledged heavyweight kingpin.

But what makes Aspinall different is not just his skill set. It’s his efficiency. Most of his fights end in the first or second round. That means less damage, faster recovery, and an ability to fight more frequently than his peers.

UFC 321: The Victory That Sparked a New Mission

At UFC 321, Tom Aspinall once again showcased why he’s one of the most dangerous heavyweights alive. His opponent barely had time to execute a strategy before Aspinall’s speed, precision, and composure dismantled him.

Key highlights from UFC 321:

Lightning start: Aspinall wasted no time applying pressure.
Fight-ending power: The bout ended before serious damage could accumulate.
Minimal wear and tear: Crucially, Aspinall emerged unscathed — opening the door for a quick return.

It was after this fight that Aspinall stunned fans by declaring he wanted to fight not once, but twice more before 2025 closes.

Why Aspinall Wants Two More Fights in 2025

Most champions bask in their glory after a win. They take vacations, heal injuries, and wait for the UFC machine to build their next blockbuster. Aspinall is cut from a different cloth.

Here’s why he’s pushing for activity:

Momentum is Everything

The MMA world is fickle. Stars shine brightest when they’re active. Aspinall knows his hype is peaking after UFC 321, and he wants to ride that wave rather than let it fade.

Physical Prime

At 32 years old, Aspinall is in the sweet spot of heavyweight athleticism. He still has the speed advantage over most of his peers, and he wants to capitalize before that edge diminishes.

Restoring Heavyweight Activity

The heavyweight division has long suffered from inactivity. Francis Ngannou’s contract dispute left the belt in limbo. Jon Jones’s extended absences frustrated fans. Aspinall wants to break that cycle and bring consistency back to the division.

Legacy Building

Fighting often is one way to fast-track greatness. Champions like Georges St-Pierre and Israel Adesanya fought multiple times per year during their primes. Aspinall wants to emulate that — but in a division where it’s rarely seen.

UFC’s Dilemma: Who’s Next for Tom Aspinall?

Aspinall’s eagerness creates both opportunity and pressure for the UFC. Matchmaking becomes the most delicate piece of the puzzle.

Here are the top contenders and scenarios:

Curtis Blaydes Trilogy

Why it makes sense: Blaydes holds a win over Aspinall (albeit via injury). A trilogy would settle the score and offer closure.
Why it’s risky: Blaydes’s wrestling is a serious threat. UFC must weigh the danger versus the storyline.

Ciryl Gane

Why it makes sense: A striking chess match between two modern heavyweights would be marketed as elite-level technical warfare.
Risk factor: If Aspinall dominates too easily, critics might dismiss Gane as an overmatched striker who can’t handle grapplers.

Stipe Miocic

Why it makes sense: Miocic is the most decorated heavyweight champion in UFC history. Beating him adds prestige.
Downside: At 42, Miocic is far removed from his prime. A win might not silence critics.

Jon Jones Superfight

Why it makes sense: This is the dream fight. The GOAT of MMA versus the rising king of heavyweights.
The challenge: Jones’s injuries and contract negotiations make him unpredictable. UFC may prefer to save this fight for a blockbuster in 2026.

Jailton Almeida

Why it makes sense: A surging prospect with an exciting style. Aspinall vs. Almeida could be billed as the battle of the new generation.
Weakness: Almeida lacks mainstream recognition. It may not sell massive pay-per-views.

Could Aspinall Realistically Fight Twice Before New Year?

The idea of two more fights before year’s end raises logistical questions. UFC schedules, opponent availability, and injury risks all come into play.

November or December return: Aspinall could headline a European card, perhaps in London or Manchester.
Quick turnaround in early 2026: UFC could also squeeze in a second fight if he remains healthy.
Risk management: UFC must decide whether to book him in a “stay-busy fight” first, then save the mega-clash for later.

The UFC Business Angle

From a promotional standpoint, Aspinall’s eagerness is a blessing.

UK market boom: Aspinall is the perfect poster boy for UFC’s expansion in the UK. Stadium events in Manchester or London could shatter attendance records.
Pay-per-view strategy: Pairing him with a marquee opponent ensures global sales.
Division stability: Keeping Aspinall active gives the heavyweight belt much-needed consistency.

The challenge for UFC is balancing short-term profits with long-term planning. Do they rush him into back-to-back fights, or do they pace his career to maximize longevity?

Fan Reactions: “The People’s Champion”

Across social media platforms, fans hailed Aspinall’s attitude as refreshing.

UK fans: Excited at the prospect of seeing their champion defend on home soil.
Global fans: Praised him for breaking the mold of inactive heavyweights.
Hardcore critics: Warned that fighting too frequently could lead to burnout, especially in the power-heavy heavyweight division.

Regardless of perspective, one theme emerged: Aspinall is seen as a champion for the fans.

The Risk Factor: Can Aspinall Handle It?

While his ambition is commendable, heavyweights are a different breed. Every fight carries enormous risk. By staying too active, Aspinall could:

Accumulate training injuries from constant camps.
Suffer an upset loss that derails his momentum.
Dilute his aura if fans see him too often without major storylines.

Still, Aspinall’s efficient fight style — finishing quickly, avoiding drawn-out wars — gives him an edge. Unlike champions who endure 25-minute grinds, Aspinall exits fights relatively fresh.

Predictions: What’s Next?

Looking at timing, rankings, and UFC’s promotional needs, here’s the most plausible roadmap:

Late 2025 Fight – Likely against Ciryl Gane or Curtis Blaydes. Both are available, marketable, and present compelling narratives.
Early 2026 Fight – Potential superfight against Jon Jones, depending on his recovery and negotiations.

This way, UFC satisfies Aspinall’s demand for activity while preserving a blockbuster for the future.

Legacy in the Making

If Aspinall succeeds in fighting twice more in 2025, he’ll set himself apart in heavyweight history. Few champions have taken such an aggressive schedule.

Activity as a legacy-builder: Fighting three times in one calendar year as a heavyweight champion is nearly unprecedented.
Rewriting heavyweight norms: Aspinall could redefine what fans expect from the division.
Global superstar trajectory: More activity means more visibility, potentially elevating him to Conor McGregor-level fame in the UK.

Conclusion: The Champion Who Refuses to Wait

Tom Aspinall’s declaration that he wants two more fights before 2025 ends is more than just bravado. It’s a statement of intent — a commitment to legacy, activity, and fan service in a division often criticized for its inactivity.

For UFC, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. Can they find the right opponents, balance risk and reward, and capitalize on the UK market explosion?

For fans, the message is clear: Aspinall isn’t content to be a part-time champion. He’s here to work, to fight, and to prove that greatness isn’t built on waiting — it’s built on seizing the moment.

If UFC delivers the right matchups, and if Aspinall delivers on his promise, 2025 could go down as the year that redefined heavyweight greatness.

let us know if you want even more coolness