Tom Aspinall insists it’s not striking, wrestling, or jiu-jitsu that makes him the best heavyweight in MMA.
The interim UFC heavyweight titleholder is looking to prove himself in a champion vs champion fight with Jon Jones, who is widely regarded as the greatest of all time, later this year.
Tom Aspinall implored ‘Bones’ to sign the contract after watching the American’s preferred next opponent, Alex Pereira, lose his light heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 this past weekend.
Now he’s explained what makes him different from all of the other heavyweights on the UFC roster.
Tom Aspinall highlights his best attribute
Decades of competing in various martial arts have prepared Tom Aspinall for life as an elite MMA fighter.
The 31-year-old believes growing up in combat sports has helped him become uniquely adept at making the correct call when the pressure is on.
“It’s making the right decisions at the right times,” Aspinall said when asked to name his greatest attribute during an interview with the Independent.
“My skillset is good, but so is everyone else’s. Being in the gym since I was 10 years old doesn’t harm [my decision-making], and my dad also talks a lot about training the eyes: making your reactions quicker.
“I don’t think many people do that, to be honest. I think my decision-making is the best in the division by far.”
Dana White reveals reason for Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall delay
Aspinall recently took to his YouTube to update fans on his next fight.
The Englishman explained that he had agreed to terms for a clash with Jones, who he claimed was the reason it hadn’t been officially booked yet.
Since then, UFC boss Dana White has provided an update on Jones’ future and revealed the real reason his fight with Aspinall hasn’t been announced.
“Listen, Jon Jones definitely wants to fight,” White said after UFC 313 on Saturday night.
“Just when and where is what we’re working on now.
“I’m very confident that fight happens (this summer).”
UFC 317 will headline the promotion’s 13th annual International Fight Week this coming June.
It seems like the perfect time for Jones and Aspinall to unify the heavyweight division, if all parties can agree to terms behind the scenes.