50 Facts About Tom Aspinall

Early Life and Background

Tom Aspinall's journey to becoming a UFC star began in Greater Manchester, England. His early years were shaped by a strong family influence and a passion for martial arts.

1. Tom Aspinall was born on April 11, 1993, in Atherton, Greater Manchester, England.
2. His parents, Tracey and Andy Aspinall, played a significant role in his upbringing.
3. Andy Aspinall, Tom's father, was a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, sparking Tom's interest in martial arts.
4. Tom began training in martial arts at the age of seven at the Leigh Self Defence Studio in Leigh, Greater Manchester.
5. Initially, he trained in wrestling before transitioning to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
6. By 16, Tom had earned his black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
7. During his teenage years, Tom experienced a significant growth spurt, growing from 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) to 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m).

Amateur and Professional Beginnings

Tom's early career set the stage for his future success in the UFC. His amateur record and professional debut showcased his potential.

8. At 18, Tom had his first amateur fight, finishing with a record of 9 wins and no losses.
9. He made his professional MMA debut on December 14, 2014, against Michael Piszczek, winning via TKO in the first round.
10. Before joining the UFC, Tom fought in regional promotions like BAMMA and Cage Warriors, building an impressive record.
11. In 2019, Tom signed with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), marking a significant milestone in his career.
12. His UFC debut took place on July 25, 2020, against Jake Collier, where he secured a victory via TKO in just 45 seconds.

Rise in the UFC

Tom's early UFC career was marked by impressive performances and rapid victories, earning him recognition and accolades.

13. Tom won his first three fights in the UFC, including a victory over Alan Baudot via strikes at 1:35 of the first round.
14. He took a year off from professional fighting due to an injury but continued to train during this time.
15. Tom returned to the UFC on July 22, 2023, facing Marcin Tybura at UFC Fight Night 224, winning via TKO just over a minute into the first round.
16. On two weeks' notice, Tom faced Sergei Pavlovich for the Interim UFC Heavyweight Championship on November 11, 2023, at UFC 295, winning by first-round knockout.
17. He defended his interim title against Curtis Blaydes in a rematch on July 27, 2024, at UFC 304, winning by knockout one minute into the first round.

Physical Attributes and Fighting Style

Tom's physical attributes and unique fighting style have made him a formidable opponent in the heavyweight division.

18. Tom stands at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) and has a reach of 78 inches (198 cm).
19. He competes in the heavyweight division, where fighters typically weigh around 265 pounds.
20. Tom's fighting style blends Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and boxing.
21. Joe Rogan has praised Tom for his athleticism, calling him "the next advancement in the evolution of the sport."
22. Tom has finished all of his wins in the UFC, with 13 of those finishes occurring in the first round.
23. He has 12 wins by knockout, with five of those knockouts happening in under a minute.
24. Tom also has three wins by submission, showcasing his well-rounded skillset.

Personal Life and Community Involvement

Beyond the octagon, Tom is known for his humble personality and dedication to his community and family.

25. Tom is married to his Polish wife, Justyna, with whom he has two sons and one daughter.
26. One of his sons is diagnosed with autism, and Tom has spoken about the challenges and joys of being a father to a child with special needs.
27. Despite being English, Tom can speak some Polish due to his wife and children.
28. Tom is known for his humble and down-to-earth personality, often keeping a low profile.
29. He has a pet dog named Rocky, who often features in his social media posts.
30. Before fully committing to his MMA career, Tom worked as a bouncer.
31. Tom's favorite movie is "Rocky," which has inspired him throughout his fighting journey.
32. His favorite quote is "Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard," reflecting his dedication to training.
33. Tom's community in Atherton, Greater Manchester, has been very supportive of his career.
34. He frequently participates in local events and fundraisers, supporting causes close to his heart.
35. Tom has donated fight gear and memorabilia to auctions, raising funds for various charitable organizations.

Achievements and Recognition

Tom's achievements in the UFC have earned him recognition and accolades, solidifying his status as a top fighter.

36. Tom is currently ranked #8 in the UFC men's pound-for-pound rankings as of August 27, 2024.
37. He is the current Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion, a title he won by defeating Sergei Pavlovich.
38. Tom has received six Performance of the Night bonuses in the UFC.
39. He has a career record of 14 victories and 3 defeats.
40. Tom has finished 13 of his wins in the first round.
41. He has 11 wins by knockout, with five of those knockouts happening in under a minute.
42. In addition to his knockout skills, Tom has three wins by submission.
43. Tom has been featured in the UFC Spotlight, highlighting his impressive career and achievements.
44. Joe Rogan has praised Tom for his exceptional skills, calling him "the next advancement in the evolution of the sport."

Future Prospects and Legacy

Tom's future in the UFC looks promising, with aspirations to become the UFC Heavyweight Champion and leave a lasting legacy.

45. Tom aims to become the UFC Heavyweight Champion, a goal he has been working towards since joining the organization.
46. He plans to continue improving his skills and expanding his repertoire.
47. Tom is interested in exploring opportunities outside of fighting, such as coaching and mentoring young fighters.
48. He hopes to leave a lasting legacy in the sport, inspiring future generations of martial artists.
49. Despite his success, Tom remains committed to giving back to his community and promoting martial arts among young people.
50. Tom's inspiring story and dedication to training serve as an example for aspiring fighters, making him a respected figure in the world of MMA.

Tom Aspinall: A Rising Star in MMA

Tom Aspinall’s journey from a young martial arts enthusiast to the Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion is nothing short of inspiring. With a background deeply rooted in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a family passionate about martial arts, Tom’s rise in the UFC has been meteoric. His impressive record of first-round finishes, knockout power, and submission skills make him a formidable opponent in the heavyweight division. Beyond the octagon, Tom’s commitment to his community and charity work showcases his humble and grounded personality. As he continues to defend his title and aim for the UFC Heavyweight Championship, Tom remains a fan favorite and an inspiration to aspiring fighters. His story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Keep an eye on Tom Aspinall; his journey in MMA is far from over.