Tom Aspinall Shockingly Reveals to Vacate Heavyweight Title for Rising Contender

Current heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall talks about his training partner Ante Delija getting into UFC and potentially fighting him. 

Tom Aspinall Shockingly Reveals to Vacate Heavyweight Title for Rising Contender

Tom Aspinall refuses to fight his friend Ante Delija in UFC (via X)

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Earlier this year, Tom Aspinall was officially promoted to the position of UFC heavyweight champion after Jon Jones‘ retirement. Aspinall became the longest-reigning interim champion in UFC history, proving his patience and perseverance finally paid off with the undisputed title. The UK native is regarded as one of the most dominant heavyweights in recent years, and is eagerly awaiting his first defense.

Tom Aspinall primarily trains at Team Kaobon in Liverpool, England, a gym widely recognized for upcoming heavyweight talents. His father and longtime head coach, Andy Aspinall, has played a pivotal role in shaping his discipline, mindset, and technical fighting abilities.

The British heavyweight has trained there since childhood, building strong bonds with teammates who continuously push him to improve every day. Among them is Ante Delija, a close friend who recently signed with UFC, but Aspinall refuses to fight him.

My friend and training partner (Ante Delija) has just got to the UFC and he just got his first win, and now he’s in the top 10. He’s potentially like two or three wins away from a title shot. If I’d never won a title…I would feel like we would have to fight because that’s my dream. But now I’ve done it, I would be like, I’ll vacate it and he can have his time. I wouldn’t fight him, no chance…that’s my guy. There’s some stuff to me that’s more important than money and titles. 

Tom Aspinall via ShxtsnGigs Podcast

Delija recently joined the UFC after a decorated stint as PFL Heavyweight Champion and quickly moved into the UFC rankings. Delija made his UFC debut on September 6, defeating Marcin Tybura by a first-round knockout, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. His fighting style blends a well-rounded skill set developed with Cro Cop Squad in Croatia.

Delija and Aspinall are close teammates and sparring partners, sharing many camps and supporting each other’s careers inside and outside the Octagon. Currently, Delija is scheduled to fight Waldo Cortes-Acosta in the co-main event of  UFC Vegas 110 on November 1. One week earlier, his friend Tom Aspinall would defend his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane, which has created a huge hype. 

Tom Aspinall talks about fighting Ciryl Gane 

Tom Aspinall has already defeated several top UFC heavyweights, including Curtis Blaydes, Sergei Pavlovich, and Alexander Volkov, with spectacular finishes. He has knocked out most of these elite opponents in the opening round, showcasing his explosive power and finishing instinct. Now, only Ciryl Gane stands as an elite challenger left, his style and record making him a true test for Aspinall. 

Tom Aspinall isn't concerned about Ciryl Gane
Tom Aspinall isn’t concerned about Ciryl Gane (via X)

Unlike previous opponents, Gane’s striking and speed can match Aspinall’s, making this matchup uniquely competitive and intriguing. The fight is scheduled for UFC 321 inside the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Despite the risks, the UK champion enters as the clear betting favorite, showing confidence and focus ahead of this pivotal title fight. 

I think this is just another fight for me. Ciryl is really good as well. He brings a whole new challenge that I’ve not really had before. His style is different from a lot of heavyweights. He moves really well, he’s nimble, super fit, super athletic. I think we’re both going to be in a stage where, to get to him, we both need to be pretty exhausted.

Tom Aspinall continued. 

Gane’s last fight was a close split decision victory against Alexander Volkov, highlighting his technical striking and movement. He possesses remarkable striking efficiency, landing over 60 percent of significant strikes, and uses a versatile kickboxing approach. Gane can create real problems for Aspinall with his footwork and fluidity, keeping opponents off-balance and disrupting typical heavyweight attacks.

However, his major flaw is weak takedown defense, exposed by Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones, who both dominated using wrestling. Aspinall, known for dangerous wrestling, is smart enough to initiate takedowns early and exploit Gane’s continued grappling vulnerability. 

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