Dana White in Pickle as Tom Aspinall’s Family Persuasion Could Cause Major UFC Loss

Tom Aspinall's father, Andy Aspinall, once again reignites a move to boxing and even considers ending the heavyweight champion's contract.

Dana White in Pickle as Tom Aspinall’s Family Persuasion Could Cause Major UFC Loss

Dana White in turmoil as Tom Aspinall might leave UFC ( MMA Mania, The Hill)

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The world of combat sports has increasingly seen fighters explore opportunities beyond their primary discipline. This trend has prompted discussions about career longevity, financial incentives, and legacy within multiple fighting arenas. One fighter currently at the center of this conversation is UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who has risen rapidly through the ranks since his debut in 2020.

Aspinall has established himself as one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC. Known for his combination of size, athleticism, and striking power, he has demonstrated the ability to compete against and knock out the likes of Curtis Blaydes, Sergei Pavlovich, and Marcin Tybura. One of the most significant parts of the British champion’s mixed martial arts career is his father, Andy Aspinall.

Andy is a jiu-jitsu coach and has overseen his son’s training and career since he began venturing into MMA. He is known for his outspoken personality and recently spoke about a potential career move to boxing for Aspinall. Ahead of his son’s upcoming title defense at UFC 321, Andy recently reignited those discussions and believed that he would not extend the heavyweight kingpin’s contract.

Boxing for sure. The money is more money. He has three more fights on the contract, and I don’t want to sign a new contract personally. Tom will be a boxing champion by 2028.

Andy Aspinall via RMCSportsCombat

Aspinall’s potential departure from the UFC would have significant implications for the organization. As one of the division’s rare marketable stars, his departure could leave a gap in promotional opportunities and global visibility. For UFC CEO Dana White, retaining a fighter of Aspinall’s stature is crucial to sustaining the heavyweight division’s relevance and ensuring continued fan engagement.

Once one of the most entertaining divisions, the heavyweight division has lost its glory in recent years. This began when the former champion, Francis Ngannou, vacated the title and left the UFC after days of inactivity. When Jon Jones won the vacant title at UFC 285, the fans hoped to see an active champion. However, Jones remained inactive and held the title for 840 days before retiring in June 2025.

Tom Aspinall is set to fight Ciryl Gane at UFC 321, which is his first title defence after being promoted to heavyweight champion after Jones’ retirement. The 265-pound division’s future star power remains in a delicate balance. Aspinall’s decisions regarding re-signing or pursuing other combat sports opportunities will directly influence the division’s trajectory.

Dana White weighs in on Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane

UFC 321 has vast implications for the heavyweight division, as the title is on the line after almost a year. The last time the UFC heavyweight belt was on the line was at UFC 309 when Jon Jones defeated Stipe Miocic to retain the title. However, he remained inactive and was involved in an online rivalry with Tom Aspinall, the interim champion at the time. However, the matchup never materialized.

Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane at UFC 321
Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 (via MMA Fighting)

Ciryl Gane, on the other hand, is on a two-fight win streak heading into UFC 321. He recently defeated Alexander Volkov and Serghei Spivac to win his third shot at championship gold. However, Gane has not been able to win the title as he lost to Francis Ngannou in 2022 and Jones in 2023. UFC CEO Dana White recently spoke about why the UFC 321 bout is pivotal for both Aspinall and Gane’s career trajectories.

Saturday night is the big night for him and the big night for Ciryl. Ciryl was winning the entire fight with Francis and then went for that submission and got into a bad position. And then what Jon Jones did was unbelievable. Saturday is a big coming-out party for Aspinall if he goes in and does what people think he is capable of doing.

Dana White via UFC on TNT Sports

Dana White’s promotion of the bout underscores its timing within a transitional phase for the heavyweight class. With limited star power currently active at the top, the result of Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane carries implications not only for rankings but for the UFC’s ability to structure future headline events around the winner.

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