Tom Aspinall’s eagerly anticipated return to the UFC after a year-long absence is set to take place at UFC London. Last year, during a heavyweight main event against Curtis Blaydes, Aspinall suffered a devastating knee injury, which shattered his five-fight winning streak and halted his impressive rise through the rankings.
The injury had actually been lingering for years, but the British fighter never had the opportunity to address it due to his remarkable winning spree. Now, having undergone surgery and extensive rehabilitation, Aspinall is finally ready to step back into the Octagon.
Reflecting on his recovery, Aspinall expressed his excitement, stating that he feels like he has a “new leg.” The long period of inactivity had affected more than just his knee; his entire leg had become stiff and immobile. However, after intensive training and rehabilitation, he now feels mobile, explosive, and confident in his physical abilities.
Being sidelined due to the injury was a challenging experience for Aspinall, both physically and emotionally. He had to cope with being unable to walk and perform everyday tasks, which took a toll on him. Nonetheless, those difficult times are behind him now, and he is looking forward to a fresh start.
Aspinall acknowledged the evolution of the heavyweight division during his absence. With former champion Francis Ngannou’s departure and Jon Jones’s entry, the division has become even more competitive. Aspinall currently sits fifth in the rankings and is eager to prove himself against the top contenders, with his dream fight being against Jon Jones.
In his upcoming headlining bout against Marcin Tybura, Aspinall faces a dangerous opponent who can excel in all areas of the fight. Tybura, who was initially brought in as a backup opponent, adds an air of unfinished business to the fight, as Aspinall aims to settle the score.
However, Aspinall will approach the fight with a mix of emotions as it will be the first without his grandfather, Peter, who passed away in May. His grandfather played a significant role in his life and career, and Aspinall aims to honor his memory with a triumphant performance in the Octagon.
As the heavyweight division continues to evolve with formidable contenders, Aspinall is poised to reclaim his position among the elite fighters and make a lasting impact in the UFC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about triumphant comeback
Q: What happened to Tom Aspinall during his fight with Curtis Blaydes at UFC London?
A: During his fight with Curtis Blaydes at UFC London one year ago, Tom Aspinall suffered a devastating knee injury. He tore his medial collateral ligament (MCL) and meniscus, and also sustained damage to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) just 15 seconds into the fight.
Q: Did Tom Aspinall have the knee injury before the fight with Curtis Blaydes?
A: Yes, Tom Aspinall had been carrying the knee injury for years before the fight with Curtis Blaydes. He first sustained the injury before signing his maiden UFC contract in 2020 but had never gotten the time to fix it due to his impressive winning streak and rapid ascent in the heavyweight rankings.
Q: How did the knee injury affect Tom Aspinall’s training and fighting abilities?
A: The knee injury made Tom Aspinall’s whole leg inactive for a long time. His ankle and hip also became stiff due to the lack of use. This affected his mobility, explosiveness, and overall training capabilities. Fear of his knee giving out or swelling up during training limited his movements and confidence.
Q: What is Tom Aspinall’s mindset now after recovering from the injury?
A: Tom Aspinall is feeling positive and excited about his triumphant comeback. He expressed that the surgery and rehabilitation have given him a “new leg.” He is now more mobile, explosive, and mentally prepared to train without the fear of re-injuring his knee.
Q: Who is Tom Aspinall’s opponent in his upcoming fight at UFC London?
A: Tom Aspinall’s opponent in his upcoming headlining bout at UFC London is Marcin Tybura, a veteran fighter from Poland.
Q: How has the heavyweight division changed during Tom Aspinall’s time on the sidelines?
A: The heavyweight division has seen significant changes during Tom Aspinall’s absence. Former champion Francis Ngannou was stripped of his title and left the UFC. Jon Jones made the transition from light-heavyweight and claimed the belt. Additionally, Russia’s Sergei Pavlovich has risen to second in the rankings with impressive performances.
Q: What is Tom Aspinall’s dream fight in the heavyweight division?
A: Tom Aspinall’s dream fight in the heavyweight division is against Jon Jones, whom he regards as one of the best fighters in MMA history.
Q: How does Tom Aspinall feel about his upcoming opponent, Marcin Tybura?
A: Tom Aspinall sees Marcin Tybura as a dangerous opponent with a versatile skill set. He believes Tybura is good at everything, has an unorthodox style, and is very durable. Aspinall is focused on preparing well to face Tybura in their upcoming fight.
Q: What is the significance of Tom Aspinall’s upcoming fight for him personally?
A: Tom Aspinall’s upcoming fight is especially emotional for him as it will be his first without his beloved grandfather, Peter, who passed away in May. He aims to honor his grandfather’s memory with a strong performance in the Octagon.
Q: How many fights has Tom Aspinall had in his professional career so far?
A: Tom Aspinall’s upcoming fight with Marcin Tybura will be his 16th professional fight in nearly nine years as a fighter.
More about triumphant comeback
- UFC London Event Details
- Tom Aspinall’s UFC Profile
- UFC Heavyweight Division Rankings
- Jon Jones’s UFC Profile
- Marcin Tybura’s UFC Profile
- UFC Official Website
- O2 Arena Official Website
- Sergei Pavlovich’s UFC Profile
- Francis Ngannou’s UFC Profile
- Curtis Blaydes’s UFC Profile