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No training camp for UFC 295, no problem for Tom Aspinall
This Saturday is Tom Aspinall’s first chance to compete for a UFC championship. Following Jon Jones‘ injury-related withdrawal from his match against Spartan Miocic at UFC 295, the promotion made some last-minute changes and secured a replacement for two promising heavyweight contenders. The UFC made the decision to name an interim champion while Jones was out of commission for a few months due to surgery.
The two contenders are Sergei Pavlovich and Aspinall, who were both regarded as possible opponents for Jones should he defeat Miocic. Now, with only a few days’ notice, the competitors share the Octagon, and despite the short notice, one of them believes he has nothing to lose.
During his UFC 295 media day on Wednesday, Aspinall stated, “I’m fighting the scariest guy in MMA, in my opinion, in the worst circumstances possible without a training camp” (video courtesy of TheMacLife). But certainly, I believe I can prevail. I’m not the type of man that comes looking for money. If I don’t think I can win, I’m not going to sign a contract and show up.
Aspinall went on, “I really, really believe that I could win on Saturday night.” It’s going to be my night on Saturday. I’m a definite winner who always finds a way to triumph, regardless of the situation. Even if the deck is clearly stacked against me, it will still be preferable if I emerge victorious on Saturday night.
Aspinall faced worse circumstances before
Supporters will remember that Aspinnall lost to Curtis Blaydes via TKO in 15 seconds at UFC London the previous year. Aspinall only managed one kick during the bout, so it was unclear at the time exactly what had transpired as he was carried out of the Octagon on a stretcher.
It turned determined that he needed surgery to repair a torn meniscus, a damaged MCL, and some ACL damage. The heavyweight found it difficult to recuperate, and he grew weary of chatting about it with friends and supporters.
I’m over talking about it. People have been asking me how my knee feels every day on the street for the past year. Additionally, it’s every interview now that the fight is almost here. I’m eager to never bring it up again.
Dismal, terrible, totally terrible, Aspinall said to Full Circle using bet365. It gave me the want to temporarily give up the sport. After the injury, I didn’t want to continue for a few days. For a short while, I lost my cool with everyone and everything. It’s just awful, buddy, to lie on your back on the ground in front of 22,000 of your own supporters, unable to move your locked-up, numb knee, and knowing that I was meant to go.
My plan was to spend approximately a month visiting relatives in Poland, including a brief tour to see friends and family. However, I had to postpone this plan because my wife and children were already there. It’s not ideal that I had to travel to London for surgery and recuperate for a year. I had assumed that I would receive a sizable win bonus, travel to Poland, and spend a month or so visiting relatives and friends. Though it wasn’t intended to be, I must admit that I’m incredibly happy that it did since it has changed me for the better. I’m quite content with everything.
However, Aspinall was able to make a comeback to the Octagon this past July at UFC London, defeating the unfortunate Marcin Tybura by TKO at just 1:13 of the opening round, following a 364-day break.
Aspinall hopes to fight Jon Jones after he returns
Aspinall had some pretty big ambitions following that victory.
I’ve had an extremely difficult year. Listen, guys. Last year, I wasn’t who I was. I am a completely different person now. I won’t claim to be back because I’ve changed. Simply put, I’ve changed from last year. My thoughts are different. My physique has changed, and I’m fully committed.
I will outline my specific plan of action for you. I will travel to Paris. When asked about his future plans, Aspinall responded. I’ll be sitting in the front row with Sergey Spivak and Ciryl Gane. I’m going to defeat the victor before taking on Jon Jones.
Regretfully for Aspinall, it appears highly probable that Jon Jones will call it quits following his recuperation from the most recent injury and compete in one more fight, either as a UFC champion against Stipe Miocic or—cmon, we all know there’s no chance—as a lineal MMA heavyweight champion against Francis Ngannou.
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