What revolutionary fight idea did Tom Aspinall suggest to the UFC?
The interim heavyweight champion revealed his suggestion to the world’s biggest MMA promotion after beating Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304.
Tom Aspinall was expected to make a big impact at UFC 304 last weekend in Manchester, England, and the Briton didn’t let his fans down.
The interim UFC heavyweight champion defended his belt by beating Curtis Blaydes in the first round via knockout, avenging his loss to the American in 2022 after injuring his knee and proving he deserves a title shot against the winner of the Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic fight, which is expected to happen at the end of this year.
The Manchester mixed martial artist had asked UFC boss Dana White for a mega fight with Bones in the past and after last Saturday’s victory, it seems inevitable to see both men sharing the octagon next year.
“I just think I’m better than you. I know I can beat you in a fight”, Aspinall said while calling Jones out during his post-fight interview in the cage.
Aspinall reveals revolutionary UFC heavyweight fight night suggestion
Once he got to the press conference room after beating Blaydes, Aspinall came up with an idea he didn’t hesitate to reveal in front of the journalists.
The knockout artist revealed a four-man heavyweight tournament tournament where the winner would be decided on the very same night.
“Here’s a thought for you. I was thinking about this the other day. So, they’re saying Jon Jones and Stipe [Miocic] are going to fight at Madison Square Garden in November”, Aspinall said to the media.
“Why don’t we do a tournament: Jon vs. Stipe and me vs. Alex. Do a four-man tournament, two fights in one night, and let’s find out who the real heavyweight champion is”, he added.
The British fighter believes that his idea would be a success, as combat sports and UFC fans would be able to see the best fighters face each other all in the same event.
“We got the greatest heavyweight of all time, the greatest MMA fighter of all time, the light Heavyweight champion, and me who is just a poxy interim champion. Let’s do that...wouldn’t that be a cool little thing, two fights in one night? I got the lowest average fight time in the UFC, and it’s even lower after tonight. My chances in that tournament are pretty good”, he concluded.
Aspinall’s idea could be very attractive to many fans, but it’s unlikely to happen, as the fighter’s health could be compromised by competing in two fights, especially at heavyweight, where punches usually translate into knockdowns or lots of damage.