Tom Aspinall repeatedly warned fans that his big announcement this evening wasn’t fight news – but that didn’t stop some social media users from being upset by the news.
The UFC interim heavyweight champion has been playing a never-ending game of cat and mouse with undisputed champion Jon Jones in pursuit of a super-fight to unify the division. However, he seems farther than ever from that fight actually coming to fruition.
This evening after a lengthy tease, he announced a long-term partnership with sportswear brand Champion as well as a signature collection. He even offered a bit of positivity in his search for undisputed gold, but it wasn’t enough for upset fans.
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Tom Aspinall teases undisputed title fight in new announcement for Champion sportswear line
Tom Aspinall this evening announced not a fight, but a massive new endorsement deal including a signature sportswear line with Champion. The deal brings him into the mainstream in an even clearer way, working with a major brand away from the UFC’s standard deals.
He even teased news of an undisputed fight this year, saying in the campaign content: “This game will test everything, your body, your mind your, your patience.” He was then quoted as saying: “This is the year of the undisputed champion,” indicating a unification at some point this year.
“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Champion, a brand with global reach and deep roots in sport,” Aspinall said in a press release accompanying the news. “Champion’s values really reflect who I am and what I want to do in MMA.
“I’ve always said I believe I can transcend the sport into the mainstream. And we’re not just creating gear – we’re making apparel that works for fighters and inspires the next generation. This couldn’t come at a better time.
“This is the year of the true undisputed champion. Someone who stays true to themself, dedicated to the sport, never says no to a fight and connects with the people who matter: the fans.”
Fans express disappointment at Tom Aspinall’s announcement
Prior to his big announcement at 6pm British time, Aspinall took to Instagram stories to repeatedly remind fans that it’s the UFC who announce fights, not him. He wrote his own message as well as sharing multiple comments he had made over the past few days.
“As I said when it was first posted, I DO NOT ANNOUNCE MY FIGHT NEWS,” he wrote alongside a screenshot of a comment that read: “UFC announce my fights guys, not me.”
He followed it up with another screenshot showing him telling the TNT Sports UFC account outright: “Guys. It’s not fight news.” He then added another comment where he concluded: “I have said multiple times. THIS IS NOT A FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENT. Wish it was.”
None of this satiated upset fans, who took to X to write comments like “Nah man. This ain’t it,” and “We cannot be serious.” Others insisted that he should be antagonizing Jones more, adding: “He’s not talking enough trash to Jones. Aspinall sounds like a crazy ex who wants attention instead of selling a fight.”