With no immediate path forward in the UFC, heavyweight contender Tom Aspinall contemplates a potential move to boxing to stay active and avoid waiting for Jon Jones.
Tom Aspinall’s impressive victory over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 earned him an interim UFC title, but with no clear path to the undisputed crown, the English talent finds himself in a difficult situation. Aspinall could be facing a year on the bench, waiting for a title shot that may never come. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities, Aspinall has expressed interest in stepping into the boxing ring to stay active and continue his career.
The Dilemma of the Interim Belt
The concept of an interim belt is meant to ensure that the best active fighter in a division gets a shot at the undisputed crown. However, in Aspinall’s case, the interim title seems to hold little weight, as it does not guarantee him a title shot. This raises questions about the purpose and significance of interim belts in the UFC.
Looking Outside the Octagon
In a recent interview, Aspinall revealed his interest in boxing as a way to stay active and avoid waiting for Jon Jones. Aspinall, a former sparring partner of Tyson Fury, expressed his willingness to step into the boxing ring if given the opportunity. While it is unlikely that the UFC would allow Aspinall to pursue boxing, the allure of the right opponent and a big money offer could potentially sway their decision.
Following in Ngannou’s Footsteps
Francis Ngannou’s recent success against Tyson Fury in a boxing match has opened the door for other heavyweight MMA fighters to consider a similar path. If Aspinall were to make the move to boxing, he would join a growing trend of MMA fighters testing their skills in the ring. The success or failure of these crossover attempts will determine whether more fighters follow suit.
The UFC’s Stance
While Aspinall’s desire to stay active is understandable, the UFC’s primary focus remains on booking the highly anticipated matchup between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. Despite Jones’ injury and the subsequent delay, the promotion is determined to make the fight happen. This leaves Aspinall with limited options within the UFC and potentially pushes him towards exploring opportunities outside the organization.
The Risk of Boxing
Stepping into the boxing ring comes with its own set of challenges and risks. Aspinall would need to adapt his fighting style and train specifically for boxing, which may take time and effort away from his MMA career. Additionally, the transition from MMA to boxing is not always seamless, as different techniques and strategies are required in each sport. Aspinall would need to carefully consider these factors before making the leap.
Conclusion:
Tom Aspinall’s uncertain future in the UFC has led him to consider a potential move to boxing. Frustrated by the lack of opportunities and the uncertainty surrounding his path to a title shot, Aspinall wants to stay active and continue his career. While the UFC may be hesitant to allow him to pursue boxing, the success of fighters like Francis Ngannou in crossover matches may influence their decision. Aspinall’s potential move to boxing highlights the challenges and dilemmas faced by fighters in a sport where opportunities can be scarce and unpredictable.
Leave a Reply