UFC champ Tom Aspinall's dad wants son to quit MMA in 2026 and explains why

Tom Aspinall's father and coach, Andy, has revealed that he would prefer his son to transition into boxing rather than renewing his current UFC contract. Aspinall, the reigning heavyweight champion, is set to defend his prestigious gold title on Saturday night against Ciryl Gane. The British star hasn't been seen in action since his brutal knockout of Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in Manchester in July 2024.

The Brit secured the interim title back in 2023 after defeating Sergei Pavlovich, before successfully defending it against Blaydes. Aspinall was expected to face Jon Jones this year, but the American failed to publicly commit to fighting the Wigan warrior and subsequently retired. As a result, Aspinall was promoted to undisputed champion. With his reign as champion just beginning, it appears he may not be in the sport for the long haul if his father gets his way.

Speaking to RMC Sport ahead of UFC 321, Andy disclosed that his son only has three fights left on his UFC contract, and he isn't eager to see him re-sign with the promotion.

Instead, he would like to see Tom pursue more lucrative opportunities in boxing. "Boxing for sure," Aspinall Sr responded when asked if he would prefer Tom to be an MMA or boxing champion.

"The money is more money. He has three more fights on the contract, and I don't want to sign a new contract personally." Aspinall Jr possesses some limited experience within the squared circle.

His sole outing in boxing occurred in 2017 when he delivered a brutal first-round knockout victory over Tamas Bajzath. Despite his reputation for being a complete fighter, Aspinall has developed quite a tendency for leaving opponents unconscious - with 12 of his 15 victories achieved via knockout.

The British UFC champion has even engaged in sparring sessions with Tyson Fury on multiple occasions while both were under the tutelage of Fury's uncle, Peter Fury, during the early to mid-2010s.

Should Aspinall transition to boxing on a full-time basis, it wouldn't represent the first occasion a UFC fighter has made the crossover to the ring.

In 2017, Conor McGregor faced Floyd Mayweather in the squared circle, though ultimately suffered a knockout defeat in the tenth round. Since that time, UFC boss Dana White has ventured into the boxing world through TKO Group boxing organisation.

Following this development, numerous UFC stars, including Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria, have voiced their ambition to compete in the boxing ring. Whilst Aspinall remains keen on making the transition, it's something he isn't contemplating at present.

"Maybe, but it's not something I give a lot of great thought to," he told talkSPORT. "I never think too far in the future anyway - maybe one day I'll do it if I do well and take out the whole division.

"I've got some boxing experience, but I'm by no means a world-level boxer. That's why I'm not looking too much into it right now. If the opportunity comes down the line, and I'm in a good place to do it, I'll do it. Right now, that's not of interest."

When is Tom Aspinall vs Ciryl Gane?

Aspinall's bout with Gane is scheduled for tonight (October 25) at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. The duo's encounter will top the UFC 321 pay-per-view bill.

Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida will also feature on the card - apparently battling for the leading heavyweight challenger position.

A light-heavyweight battle between Aleksandar Rakic and Azamat Murzakanov has likewise been confirmed, whilst Mitch Raposo will face Azat Maksum.

The co-main event features Virna Jandiroba and Mackenzie Dern competing for the vacant women's strawweight crown.

The preliminary card broadcast will be accessible to TNT Sports subscribers on TNT Sports 4 and via TNT Sports Box Office for all viewers in the UK and Ireland from 5pm. The main card is set to begin at 7pm UK time.

In the headline event, Gane is expected to make his entrance to the cage first at approximately 9.30pm UK time, with Aspinall following immediately after. The timings of all bouts are subject to change and will depend on the duration of the undercard.

Viewers in the UK and Ireland can exclusively watch the main card live on TNT Sports Box Office for a fee of £19.99.