“Dear friend and a hero,” Tom Aspinall pays tribute to the first British UFC champion ahead of important title fight at UFC 295
Tom Aspinall holds immense admiration for Michael Bisping, viewing him as a dear friend and a true hero who became the first british UFC champion.

Tom Aspinall considers Michael Bisping as a friend and a hero (via Imago/Britannica)
UFC heavyweight contender, Tom Aspinall, discussed his feelings on the great fighter Michael Bisping in the most recent episode of UFC 295 Embedded. Aspinall spoke with former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping inside the legendary Madison Square Garden, clearly thrilled about the chance to compete there.
Tom Aspinall showed his respect for Bisping highlighting the influence Bisping had on his professional fighting career. He praised Bisping for his accomplishments and the motivation he gave to other fighters who wanted to be like him. This is what he had to say:
Bisping is a dear friend. He is also a hero of mine of course. He is just a lovely guy. He doesn’t think he is better than anyone or anything like that , even though i busted his balls all the time saying he thinks he does.Tom Aspinall via the UFC 295 Embedded Vlog

It was clear that Aspinall treasured the chance to speak with the accomplished fighter, and that meeting Bisping was a big deal for him. Tom Aspinall’s regard for Bisping serves as a testament to the friendship and respect that UFC fighters have for one another. This highlights the UFC’s sense of heritage and tradition by highlighting the respect fighters frequently feel for those who pioneered the sport.
As the countdown to UFC 295 continues, fans can look forward to witnessing the physical and mental fortitude of the fighters inside the Octagon. Tom Aspinall faces Sergei Pavlovich for the Interim heavyweight title in the legendary Madison Square Garden in New York.
A look at Micheal Bisping’s illustrious career in the UFC
With unwavering talent and commitment, British mixed martial artist Michael Bisping built out an amazing career in the UFC. Born in Nicosia, Cyprus, on February 28, 1979, Bisping started his MMA career in 2004. The Brit quickly rose to prominence as the Cage Rage Light Heavyweight Champion before making his UFC debut. His 2006 UFC debut on The Ultimate Fighter 3 demonstrated his perseverance. This led to a victory and the Light Heavyweight championship title.

Bisping accepted a last-minute battle against Luke Rockhold for the UFC Middleweight Championship at UFC 199 in 2016. This was the turning point in his career. Bisping shocked everyone by taking out Rockhold in the first round, winning the Middleweight championship. He thus became the first British UFC champion.
Even with challenges like a detached retina in 2013, Bisping’s perseverance paid off. Bisping successfully defended his Middleweight belt against Dan Henderson at UFC 204.
The history of the UFC bears witness to Bisping’s legacy. This personifies determination, adaptability, and success in the face of adversity. His incredible career, which included victories in several UFC divisions and a title defense, cemented his place among the sport’s most renowned competitors.
In case you missed it:
- Tom Aspinall Nationality: Is UFC’s heavyweight prospect Polish or British?
- “Is it worth?” Former two-division champion criticizes UFC’s interim title for Tom Aspinall vs Sergei Pavlovich diluting Jon Jones’ status