UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall isn’t shutting the door on boxing, but he’s being honest about what that move would actually look like.
Aspinall currently finds himself in an awkward holding pattern. He’s still recovering from a serious eye injury suffered during his no-contest against Ciryl Gane, and there’s no confirmed timeline for his return. What is clear, though, is his desire to run it back with Gane and settle unfinished business inside the Octagon.
At the same time, the English heavyweight has openly discussed the idea of stepping into a boxing ring one day. With his sharp striking and the financial upside that comes with crossover fights, it’s a conversation that continues to follow him.
In a recent video filmed while training with Tommy Fury, Tom Aspinall addressed the possibility of boxing and quickly set realistic expectations.
“I don’t know,” Aspinall said. “I’d never be a world champion in boxing. You need to dedicate your life to be a world champion. I was good at boxing, but I’ve spent my whole life doing MMA now. I’m nearly 33, so thinking I could win a world title in boxing is unrealistic.”
Rather than chasing belts in another sport, Aspinall explained that his interest lies in select, high-profile matchups that make sense for where he is in his career.
“I could have a couple—not freak-show fights—but big fights,” Aspinall said. “A big name or something.”
“I wouldn’t mind boxing an MMA fighter,” Aspinall added. “I think Francis Ngannou would be good. I’ve got fights in the UFC to do first.”
Unlike some UFC champions who dream of testing themselves against elite boxers, Aspinall appears grounded in reality. He understands the gap between sports and knows his priority remains defending his title and building his MMA legacy.
For now, Aspinall’s focus stays firmly on the UFC as he recovers and prepares for a likely rematch with Gane. However, down the line, the idea of a boxing showdown, especially against a familiar powerhouse like Ngannou, remains an intriguing possibility that fans can’t ignore.
