TOM ASPINALL has gone from British heavyweight hopeful to on the cusp of UFC gold after a stunning transformation.
Aspinall made his professional MMA debut in 2014 and raked up seven wins in nine fights over six years before getting the UFC’s attention.
GettyTom Aspinall before making his UFC debut[/caption]
GettyTom Aspinall before his return win[/caption]
He made his debut against Jake Collier in a behind-closed-doors bout in Abu Dhabi during the coronavirus pandemic.
Aspinall sported a long hairdo and scaled 251lb before announcing himself with a 45-second knockout.
Now three years on, the Manchester man has six wins in the octagon with his only defeat coming last year.
He suffered a horror knee injury against Curtis Blaydes and had to be withdrawn after just 15 seconds because of it.
Following a rehabilitation process, Aspinall made his return over the weekend almost a year to the day of his injury.
He also weighed a career-heaviest 258lb but looked ripped and ready for his comeback bout.
And the contender scored a statement first-round KO of Marcin Tybura, which puts him within touching distance of a title shot.
UFC champion and legend Jon Jones currently holds the title and defends it on November 11 in New York against Stipe Miocic.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
But Aspinall – a former sparring partner of Tyson Fury’s – is dreaming of a future title shot against the American MMA icon.
He said: “Jon Jones knows I exist! That’s a win in itself, I’m buzzing with that.
“I want to win my fights going forward of course, but I want to motivate Jones to stick around and fight me, that’s the absolute dream.
“A guy from Atherton fighting Jon Jones, that would be incredible.”
Tom Aspinall with boxing legend Tyson Furg
GettyTom Aspinall knocked out Marcin Tybura in London[/caption]