Fresh off his spectacular 69-second knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295, British heavyweight sensation Tom Aspinall is already eyeing his next challenge—and it might not be inside the Octagon.
The Wigan-native, who currently holds the UFC Interim Heavyweight Championship, has openly expressed his desire to test his skills in the boxing ring, following in the footsteps of UFC veterans like Francis Ngannou.
The Crossover Appeal
In an exclusive interview, Aspinall confirmed his interest in a boxing superfight. "I would love to do a boxing match in the next few years, 100 per cent," he stated. The 31-year-old sees the crossover bout as a significant financial opportunity and a chance to prove his stand-up prowess against elite boxers.
This ambition puts him on a path similar to former UFC champion Francis Ngannou, who recently made a highly-lucrative and critically-acclaimed transition to boxing, narrowly losing to Tyson Fury in Saudi Arabia.
UFC 321: The Immediate Future
Despite his boxing aspirations, Aspinall's immediate focus remains on unifying the UFC heavyweight title. The current undisputed champion, Jon Jones, is recovering from a pectoral injury, leaving the division in a state of suspense.
Aspinall has his sights set on a monumental return at UFC 321, with New York's iconic Madison Square Garden as a preferred venue. "I would love to fight at MSG," Aspinall said, highlighting the stadium's legendary status in combat sports.
The Road to Unification
The interim champion is prepared to face whoever the UFC puts in front of him, whether it's the returning Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic, or another top contender. His ultimate goal is to erase the 'interim' label and become the undisputed king of the UFC's heaviest division.
However, Aspinall's open-mindedness about a boxing venture signals a new era for MMA fighters, where opportunities extend beyond the confines of a single sport, offering unprecedented earning potential and global recognition.
