Eddie Hearn has revealed that Tom Aspinall's father, Andy Aspinall, has formally informed the UFC that the undisputed heavyweight champion is ready to return to action. Hearn confirmed that discussions with the promotion are ongoing to lock in a fight date in the coming weeks.
Tom Aspinall is closing in on his next title defence after his father and representative, Andy Aspinall, formally notified the UFC that the undisputed heavyweight champion is ready to compete again. Promoter Eddie Hearn confirmed the development, adding that discussions with the organisation are ongoing to pin down a fight date within the coming weeks.
Aspinall, 33, holds a 15-3-0 professional record and sits at the top of the UFC heavyweight division as undisputed champion, while also ranking sixth on the pound-for-pound ladder. The Manchester-born fighter, who trains out of Team Kaobon, stands six-foot-five with a 78-inch reach and has established himself as one of the most complete heavyweights in the sport's history. His numbers underline why: he lands an extraordinary 7.63 significant strikes per minute at a 67 percent accuracy rate, and complements that output with 2.62 takedowns per 15 minutes and 1.3 submission attempts per 15 minutes — a combination that makes him dangerous across all phases of a fight.
Why it matters
- Aspinall's return will bring clarity to a heavyweight division that has been waiting on its champion's next move
- His pound-for-pound ranking of sixth means a high-profile defence carries implications well beyond the heavyweight top ten
- Any confirmed opponent will face a champion with elite striking volume and a well-rounded ground game at 265 pounds
