Tom Aspinall is no stranger to extended periods away from competition. However, his current situation presents a different challenge: a layoff with no defined date for his next fight.
His previous significant absence followed a knee injury sustained just fifteen seconds into his July 2022 bout against Curtis Blaydes in London. This setback temporarily halted his rapid ascent in the heavyweight division. After roughly one year of recovery and rehabilitation, Aspinall made a triumphant return, securing a swift 73-second knockout victory over Marcin Tybura. Building on this momentum, he then defeated Sergei Pavlovich even faster to claim the interim title.
Since capturing the interim belt, Aspinall successfully defended it by avenging his loss to Curtis Blaydes in July of this year. He has made it clear his primary goal is a unification bout against undisputed champion Jon Jones. Jones secured the vacant heavyweight title by defeating Ciryl Gane after Francis Ngannou`s departure from the UFC and was scheduled to defend against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. However, a Jones injury caused a postponement, adding further delay.
Speaking on Demetrious Johnson`s podcast, the MightyCast, Aspinall drew a comparison between his year-long recovery from injury and his current period of waiting for a potential clash with Jones.
“When I had the major injury, I was at a kind of crossroads,” Aspinall explained. “I had earned enough money to buy a house and other things, and I questioned if I wanted to continue. Getting injured in front of everyone was obviously devastating. It was a difficult phase. The year of recovery, including rehab, physiotherapy, and everything, was tough mentally for the initial few months. But once I began working towards my return, I had concrete steps and goals set by doctors and physios. They`d give me targets: `In two weeks, I want you doing this in the gym. Squatting to 90 degrees, jumping on this box, running a mile, then you can start boxing.` I constantly had small objectives to work towards.”
“So, after spending a couple of months inactive, as soon as I could get back in the gym and aim for different things, it felt great. I felt good and decided, `I definitely want to come back. I`m injury-free now, I`m going to win the heavyweight championship, become a legend, knock everyone out.` I felt very positive about it and was clearly on my path to recovery.”
While recovering from MCL and meniscus injuries, Aspinall understood it was a long journey back, but it was marked by clear, achievable benchmarks. In contrast, his wait for Jon Jones has extended for over a year, despite the widespread expectation that the undisputed champion would face the interim titleholder.
This expected fight has not materialized.
“Now, I`ve been inactive for nearly a year with no future prospects except to just wait,” Aspinall stated. “Mentally, this period is actually more challenging than my injury layoff. Even back then, people would ask, `Are you okay? How are you coping?` and I could honestly say I was good because I had things to anticipate. The doctor would say, `Do this in two weeks,` or `You can start grappling in two months.` I always had small goals guiding me. But now, it`s simply, `Just stay ready, and we`ll let you know.`”
“It`s mentally difficult, but this is part of the process leading up to the Jon Jones fight. The fight itself is one thing, but this waiting period is the tricky part where I truly need to stay focused and motivated, and I`m trying my best. It`s tough at times.”
Aspinall has consistently maintained that he doesn`t blame Jones if his reluctance to fight stems from financial reasons, especially considering the former light heavyweight king is likely nearing the end of his illustrious career.
Regardless of how the situation unfolds, Aspinall hopes it concludes with the undisputed heavyweight championship belt around his waist.
“Honestly, I can completely understand Jon`s perspective,” Aspinall acknowledged. “I get it. For me, it`s solely about the title. I just want the title, nothing else truly matters. So, I fully understand his point of view and what everyone is saying. I just want to prove I`m the best, that`s all.”
