Imagine a UFC heavyweight champion who's been tearing through the competition like a force of nature, stopping eight opponents in the first two rounds to claim the ultimate prize in MMA. That's the incredible story of Tom Aspinall right now—but here's where it gets controversial: even this seemingly unbeatable fighter admits he'd definitely get beaten if he faced a legendary heavyweight from their prime. Buckle up, because we're diving into the details of this eye-opening admission and what it says about the evolution of the sport.
Since bursting onto the UFC scene in 2020, Tom Aspinall has been practically untouchable. He's racked up victory after victory, showcasing a blend of raw power and technical skill that's left fans in awe. His lone defeat in the Octagon? A bizarre knee injury in the very first moments of his debut clash with Curtis Blaydes. But talk about redemption—Aspinall bounced back in spectacular fashion, knocking out Blaydes in just 60 seconds during their July 2024 rematch at UFC 304, securing his interim belt and setting the stage for a heavyweight title unification showdown.
With this flawless streak, it's natural to wonder: who could possibly derail Aspinall's momentum? Well, the champ himself has a candid answer, and it's one that might surprise you. He believes his run would end in defeat if pitted against a former UFC heavyweight king in their absolute peak form. And this is the part most people miss—it's not just about physical prowess; it's about style matchups that could turn the tide in unexpected ways.
Enter Daniel Cormier, the two-time UFC champion who conquered both middleweight and heavyweight divisions, earning a spot in the Hall of Fame. Often called 'DC,' Cormier was a master of combining top-tier wrestling with devastating striking power, making him a standout even at a lighter build for his class—a true all-time great who could adapt on the fly. For beginners in MMA, think of wrestling as the art of controlling an opponent on the ground through takedowns and submissions, while striking involves punches and kicks to knock them out standing up. Cormier excelled at both, transitioning seamlessly between them, which Aspinall says would be his worst nightmare.
In an exclusive chat, Aspinall didn't hold back: 'Yeah,' he said when asked about any fighter—past or present—he'd surely lose to. 'You know, DC, Daniel Cormier? Peak DC has the worst style for me ever. I've told him this to his face too. He's short, just keeps coming forward, mixing up levels between grappling and punches. He can knock you out, take you down, and his cardio is endless. For my game, he's a total disaster... He was a monster. Peak DC was unbelievable.'
To break this down for newcomers, Aspinall's fighting style relies on explosive power and quick finishes, but Cormier's relentless pressure and versatility could wear him down, exploiting any vulnerabilities in a way that's hard to counter. It's a classic example of how in MMA, even the best can face insurmountable challenges based on their opponent's approach—kind of like how a chess grandmaster might struggle against a player who always anticipates moves ahead.
Shifting gears to Aspinall's immediate future, he's gearing up for his first defense of the undisputed heavyweight title later this month. At 32 years old, he'll step into the octagon against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on October 25. Aspinall acknowledges that Gane has been honing his weaknesses, especially in ground fighting, and might attempt takedowns to drag the fight to the mat.
'MMA is full of surprises, so anything could go down,' Aspinall shared with us recently. 'I wouldn't be shocked if he goes for a takedown. It's combat sports, so I'm training for every scenario. I spar with elite partners across all areas, so I'm at ease in any situation and will adapt to the easiest path that night. We've seen Ciryl's struggles on the ground, but he's gotten better. Moments like that are chances to grow. I could see us trading grapples a lot this time, or maybe a pure striking battle. In MMA, you have to prepare for it all, and that's exactly what I'm doing.'
But here's the controversy that really sparks debate: is Aspinall being overly humble, or are we romanticizing past legends like Cormier? Some fans argue that modern training and nutrition give today's fighters an edge, making it unfair to compare eras. Others say styles like Cormier's prove timeless, showing that adaptability trumps raw power. What do you think—does Aspinall's admission highlight a weakness in his approach, or is it a smart, self-aware take? Could a 'peak' version of another old-school champ, like Brock Lesnar or even Cain Velasquez, expose similar flaws? Share your thoughts in the comments—we'd love to hear if you agree with Aspinall's view or if you're calling it out as too cautious!
