DANA WHITE’s instant reaction to Tom Aspinall winning UFC gold was a telling one.
Aspinall, 30, wrote his name into the history books at Madison Square Garden last weekend in the co-main event of UFC 295.
GETTYTom Aspinall knocked out Sergei Pavlovich to claim the interim UFC heavyweight title[/caption]
GETTYDana White and Donald Trump were cage-side for the Brit’s stunning KO[/caption]
CHISANGA MALATADana White high-fived Kid Rock seconds after Aspinall’s KO as Trump looked[/caption]
The Wigan warrior claimed the interim heavyweight title on just two weeks’ notice with a 69-second KO of Sergei Pavlovich, which saw him become only the third Brit to win a belt in MMA‘s top promotion.
‘The World’s Most Famous Arena’ erupted as Aspinall sensationally fulfilled his dream of winning UFC gold, with fans leaping from their seats.
That was the also reaction of UFC president and newly-minted CEO White, who SunSport spotted getting out of his seat to high-five Kid Rock.
In the middle of the high-five was the 45th President of the United States, Donald Trump.
Trump was much more reserved in his reaction to the knockout, staying in his cage-side seat and watching an emotional Aspinall celebrate.
But after White whispered something into his ear a few seconds later, the 77-year-old showed he was impressed by the stoppage with a visible nod of approval.
Despite having one of the toughest tasks in front of him, Aspinall couldn’t help but notice Trump was opposite him seconds before trading heavy leather with Pavlovich.
During the post-fight press conference, he said: “It’s pretty trippy, mate.
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GETTYTom Aspinall’s victory at MSG saw him become only Britain’s third UFC champion[/caption]
“When I do my little crouch-down thing that I do before the fight, I looked to the side of Sergei’s head and I saw Donald Trump’s head looking back at me.
“It was pretty trippy scenes over there.”
Aspinall is within touching distance of a historic unification fight with undisputed champion Jon Jones, although the MMA icon has hinted his rescheduled showdown with Stipe Miocic will be his swansong.
And missing out on the opportunity to face the former pound-for-pound king would leave a bitter taste in his mouth.
The Brazilian jiu-jitsu blackbelt told SunSport: “It would sting a little as I’d love that fight.
“I would absolutely love that fight. Is it gonna define my overall career? No.
“But, would it be nice to take the fight, have that experience and fight someone who’s considered the greatest of all time? Absolutely.
“Like I would love that fight more than any other fight at this point. So that’s what I’m aiming for right now.”
GETTYTom Aspinall admits it would ‘sting’ to miss out on a fight with Jon Jones[/caption]