Is Tom Aspinall feeling the stress forward of his first-ever protection of the undisputed heavyweight title?
Aspinall, who was elevated from interim champion to undisputed champion earlier this 12 months following Jon Jones’ “retirement” from competitors, will likely be in search of gold in opposition to perennial favourite Cyril Gane this Saturday night time at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi.
With only a few hours left till sport night time, Aspinall sits as a heavy favourite at -375. Aspinall, who’s touted by many as the most effective heavyweight on the planet along with his public rivalry with Jon Jones, might be below some critical stress when he steps into the Octagon in Abu Dhabi.
“Overlook the stress that was placed on him by Michael Bisping calling him the best British blended martial artist of all time. Tom Aspinall is in one of many greatest stress spots in UFC historical past,” play-by-play man Jon Anik instructed MMA Combating. The entire Jon Jones storyline simply amplified that. He’s now the face of the division, elite and a 4-1 favourite to win in essentially the most unpredictable sport. If he loses, it will likely be an enormous deal. However Tom eats stress like a sandwich. ”
Earlier than being promoted from interim to undisputed, Aspinall was anticipated to face Jones in 2025 after “Bones” lastly settled enterprise with consensus heavyweight GOAT Stipe Miocic in November. Sadly, the battle by no means got here to fruition. Jones in the end declined the promotion and stripped him of the belt, choosing Aspinall to win the heavyweight title uncontested.
Gane, himself a former interim champion, is hoping to finish Aspinall’s reign earlier than it begins.
Bon Gamin already has two cracks on the undisputed belt, falling quick to Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones. Will a 3rd win be the allure for Gane, or will Aspinall rating his greatest win but and present the world that the hype is actual?
