Heading into UFC 321 in October, Tom Aspinall was gearing up to defend his heavyweight title for the first time. The young fighter had been training hard with his father and long-time trainer, Andy Aspinall, by his side. However, as the fight drew closer, Andy’s mind was already wandering towards a potential switch to boxing.
In an interview with EssentiallySports, Andy revealed that the decision to consider boxing was primarily driven by financial reasons. He stated, “The money is more in boxing. Tom has three more fights on his UFC contract, and I don’t want to see him miss out on a bigger payday.”
This statement may come as a surprise to many, as the UFC is known for its lucrative contracts and high payouts. However, it seems that Andy has done his research and believes that his son could potentially earn more in the world of boxing.
But it’s not just about the money for Andy. He also expressed his disappointment with UFC president Dana White over the recent eye poke controversy. In Tom’s last fight, he was poked in the eye by his opponent, causing a temporary loss of vision and ultimately leading to his defeat.
Andy believes that the UFC should have stricter rules and penalties in place for eye pokes, as they can have serious consequences for the fighters. He stated, “I was disappointed with Dana White’s response to the eye poke incident. It’s a serious issue that needs to be addressed. I don’t want to see my son or any other fighter suffer because of it.”
This disappointment may have played a role in Andy’s consideration of a switch to boxing. In the world of boxing, eye pokes are not a common occurrence, and the rules and regulations are much stricter. This could potentially provide a safer environment for Tom to compete in.
However, Andy made it clear that nothing is set in stone yet. He and Tom are still focused on the upcoming UFC 321 fight, and their main priority is to successfully defend the heavyweight title.
Tom, who has an impressive record of 10 wins and 2 losses, is determined to continue his winning streak and prove himself as a dominant force in the UFC. He has been training rigorously and is confident in his abilities to come out on top in his upcoming fight.
But the thought of potentially switching to boxing is not far from Tom’s mind either. He stated, “I’ve always been interested in boxing, and I believe I have the skills to excel in that sport as well. If the opportunity presents itself, I would definitely consider making the switch.”
It’s clear that Tom has a supportive and forward-thinking father in Andy, who is always looking out for his son’s best interests. Whether it’s in the UFC or in the boxing ring, Andy believes that Tom has the potential to achieve great success.
As for now, all eyes are on UFC 321, where Tom will defend his heavyweight title against a tough opponent. But one thing is for sure, the Aspinall duo will continue to make waves in the combat sports world, whether it’s in the UFC or in boxing.
