UFC Legend Defends Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall From Josh Hokit’s Disses

UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has been the newest target of polarizing heavyweight contender Josh Hokit in recent times.

UFC Legend Defends Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall From Josh Hokit’s Disses

Tom Aspinall defended after continuous attacks from Josh Hokit (via MMA Mania)

Tom Aspinall has faced increasing scrutiny since his UFC 322 title defense against Ciryl Gane ended in a no-contest due to a double eye poke. Adding to the criticism is polarizing contender Josh Hokit, who has continued undermining the champion in recent weeks. Hokit recently even called for the UFC to cut Aspinall, citing his inactivity.

Hokit has laid out a plan for the heavyweight division, calling for Aspinall to vacate the championship amid his extended inactivity. He then wants the UFC to book himself against Gane for the undisputed belt. The Frenchman currently holds the interim title after knocking out Alex Pereira at UFC Freedom 250.

Hokit has also accused Aspinall of faking his eye injury to avoid continuing the bout, echoing criticism that has circulated within the MMA community.

UFC legend Michael Bisping, who has strongly supported Aspinall throughout his UFC career, wasted no time defending his fellow countryman after Hokit’s latest comments.

First of all, we know Tom wasn’t faking anything. He had serious eye pokes. He had to have surgery. It’s an absolute damn shame he’s being called a holdout. It wasn’t his fault, right? It wasn’t his fault that Jon Jones was messing him around. Tom even defended the interim title against Curtis Blaydes just to stay active. Tom isn’t holding out. Tom said he’s down to fight Ciryl. That fight’s got to happen.

Michael Bisping via his YouTube channel

Hokit has also targeted Aspinall’s recent comments about changing his demeanor following the backlash over his eye injury. The contender criticized Aspinall for embracing a villainous persona and questioned the champion’s decision to change his image. Hokit also showed off by claiming he is the only bad guy in the division.

Bisping’s defense is notable because he recently questioned Aspinall’s prolonged recovery and lack of detailed updates. The former middleweight champion criticized Aspinall for being vague about his eye injury and recovery timeline. Bisping also suggested that something unusual could be happening behind the scenes.

Bisping previously suffered a detached retina in his left eye and later fought with severely impaired vision. The Englishman has therefore urged Aspinall to return only after his injured eye is fully healed. Bisping has stressed the importance of Aspinall prioritizing his long-term health before making his UFC comeback.

Aspinall has also continued calling out Gane over his history of fouls, accusing the Frenchman of avoiding accountability for his actions. After ‘Bon Gamin’ stopped Pereira at UFC Freedom 250, Aspinall accepted a September rematch in Paris. He has since returned to full training following months of recovery and multiple eye surgeries.

Michael Bisping has consistently spoken highly of Tom Aspinall and backed his fellow countryman’s ability to become one of the greatest fighters. His latest defense shows that ‘The Count’ still holds the heavyweight champion in high regard despite recently questioning his injury updates.

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Michael Bisping questions Tom Aspinall signing with Matchroom Talent Agency

Tom Aspinall recently signed a commercial and advisory deal with Eddie Hearn’s Matchroom Talent Agency. Hearn will handle Aspinall’s business and commercial interests, while the UFC heavyweight champion remains under contract with the UFC. The partnership gives Aspinall additional representation outside his UFC commitments.

Hearn is currently involved in a promotional rivalry with UFC CEO Dana White, who has entered boxing through Zuffa Boxing. The move became more significant after Hearn signed Aspinall shortly after White signed former Matchroom star Conor Benn to Zuffa Boxing for a reported $15 million.

Tom Aspinall and Michael Bisping
Tom Aspinall and Michael Bisping (via MMA Fighting)

Both Aspinall and Benn have become central figures in the promotional rivalry between the two promoters. Hearn has asked White to release Aspinall from his UFC contract, while Bisping believes promoters cannot always be trusted to prioritize fighters’ interests. He has advised Aspinall to remain cautious amid the dispute.

This is going to be mind blowing to some, but sometimes, managers ulterior motives and they don’t have the fighter’s best interest at heart. I’m not saying that about Eddie Hearn, but it’s possible. Because he is beefing with Dana White, and as soon as that Conor Benn happened, Eddie Hearn reached out to someone I know to get Tom’s number and signed him.

Michael Bisping via his YouTube channel

However, Eddie Hearn has also challenged Michael Bisping to a live debate over his claims about Aspinall’s eye injury and recovery. The Matchroom promoter’s challenge adds another layer to their disagreement, which has become tied to the wider discussion surrounding Tom Aspinall’s UFC future.

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