Tom Aspinall says he is heavily leaning toward one outcome in the Ilia Topuria vs Justin Gaethje matchup scheduled for UFC Freedom 250.
Tom Aspinall has publicly revealed that he is heavily leaning toward a specific outcome in the upcoming lightweight title clash between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250, adding the UFC heavyweight champion's voice to one of the most anticipated matchups of the year.
Aspinall, 33, holds a 15-3 record and sits atop the heavyweight division while ranking sixth pound-for-pound. The England native trains out of Team Kaobon and is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous finishers in the sport, averaging an eye-catching 7.63 significant strikes per minute at a 67 percent accuracy rate, among the highest in the UFC. He also contributes on the mat, averaging 2.62 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Topuria, 29, enters the fight as the second-ranked lightweight and the top pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, carrying a 17-1 record under the banner of Climent Club. Known as "El Matador," the Spain-based Georgian standout averages 4.81 significant strikes per minute and has demonstrated a well-rounded game with nearly two takedowns per 15 minutes and over one submission attempt in the same span.
Standing across from him will be lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, 37, whose 28-5 record tells the story of a career built on relentless forward pressure. "The Highlight" from the United States averages 6.48 significant strikes per minute at 58 percent accuracy and has shown almost no reliance on the wrestling game, averaging just 0.33 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- The lightweight title is on the line, with the number-one pound-for-pound fighter in the sport looking to reclaim championship gold
- A Topuria victory would reinforce his standing at the top of the pound-for-pound rankings and reshape the lightweight landscape
- The stylistic contrast is stark — Gaethje's high-output brawling against Topuria's calculated finishing ability across multiple disciplines
