Tom Aspinall may be one of the UFC’s more approachable fighters, but don’t get on the wrong side of the heavyweight star.
One of the most popular fighters on the Octagon leader’s books, Aspinall, only added to his massive fandom last month.
Long reigning as the interim heavyweight champion, British star, Aspinall received a huge promotion. Landing the undisputed crown, Aspinall would miss out on a fight with the retired Jon Jones.
Sitting on fighter’s row at UFC 317, Aspinall is regarded as one of the most fan-friendly combatants in the Octagon. But don’t cross the line when it comes to his family.
Tom Aspinall blasts fans for taking photos of his children without consent
Attracting a lot of attention during his infamous rivalry with Jones, Aspinall has always welcomed engagement with fans.
Aspinall, who has attended numerous fan Q&As in the past since his emergence, has claimed fans who pester him for photos, may catch hands, particularly if his kids are present.
“If I’m with my children and you take a picture without my consent, there might be hands flying,” Tom Aspinall told One on One MMA. “That’s a horrendous thing to do — I hate that.
“Come over and ask for a picture; even if I’m with the kids, I’ll probably say yes. And if I don’t, it’s for a good reason.”
But given his recent title promotion, Aspinall wants to put the fans first again. And has made them a definite promise ahead of his new reign.
Tom Aspinall vows to move heavyweight division forward
Holding the undisputed heavyweight crown for just over a month, Aspinall has plans to do what Jones didn’t; namely, defend his title against any and all comers.
With Aspinall already linked with a title defense against Ciryl Gane, the British star is ready to serve as an active and returning heavyweight champion.
“Meetings have been done and I now have a fight,” Aspinall said. “We’ve got a date, we’ve got an opponent to work towards.”
And while details are sparse, all signs are pointing toward an end-of-year showdown between Aspinall and French star Gane first and foremost.