Picture this: a reigning UFC heavyweight champion openly confessing that he'd struggle against a legendary figure from the past. That's the intriguing reality with Tom Aspinall and his candid thoughts on Daniel Cormier – a revelation that's sure to spark debate among fight fans everywhere. But don't worry, we're diving deep into why this Brit thinks he'd come up short against 'DC,' while exploring potential paths to victory for Aspinall against other heavyweight icons. And here's the kicker: despite his humility, Aspinall might just be on track to become the greatest heavyweight of all time. Stick around, because this is the part most people miss about the current state of the division.
Tom Aspinall stands out as perhaps the most distinctive heavyweight fighter in UFC history, blending lightning-fast striking with an unorthodox style that's kept opponents guessing. Yet, even this champion admits he'd face a tough battle against a prime Daniel Cormier. In just a matter of weeks, Aspinall will defend his heavyweight title for the first time in a high-stakes matchup against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. Since bursting onto the UFC scene in 2020, fans have been captivated by Aspinall's unique abilities, sensing early on that he was destined for greatness in mixed martial arts (MMA).
That said, it took him five UFC bouts to truly believe in his own potential – a moment of self-discovery that came after overcoming initial doubts. Now, as the undisputed heavyweight champ, Aspinall has shared that he believes he'd lose to a peak Cormier in the Octagon. It's a humble admission that underscores the respect he has for Cormier's skill set, particularly his elite wrestling background.
But here's where it gets controversial: While Aspinall might admit defeat against Cormier, he could likely overpower most other heavyweight legends from eras past. Unfortunately, Aspinall competes in what many consider the weakest heavyweight division in UFC history, lacking top-tier talent across the board. This scarcity of competition means he's not as celebrated globally as he deserves to be. If he were fighting in an era alongside heavy hitters like Mark Hunt, Junior dos Santos, or Cain Velasquez, Aspinall could have become a worldwide sensation, much like a rock star in the world of combat sports.
Cormier, in my view, is one of the most underrated champions ever in the UFC. His wrestling prowess – the ability to take opponents to the ground and control them – was a nightmare for many, making fights against him an uphill battle. For beginners in MMA, wrestling is crucial because it involves grappling techniques to overpower opponents, often deciding victories in the cage. In the UK, where Aspinall hails from, wrestling isn't as mainstream as it is in the US, so many British fighters, including Aspinall early on, have had to adapt on the fly. Throughout his career, only Serghei Spivac has even tried to take Aspinall down, and that attempt failed miserably. Aspinall's defensive skills shine through, especially his habit of moving laterally (side to side) rather than straight back, which avoids putting his back against the cage – a common trap that leads to takedowns. Think of it like dancing in the ring: Aspinall's footwork keeps him one step ahead.
Curtis Blaydes, a known wrestling expert, is the only top grappler Aspinall has faced, but their fights ended too quickly for Blaydes to even test a takedown. This highlights another edge Aspinall has: he's disruptive and explosive, not giving opponents much time to execute their game plans. Against Cormier, who relied on patience to exploit openings (as seen in his bouts with Stipe Miocic, where he sometimes waited too long to dominate), Aspinall's speed would likely prevent that luxury. We can only base our analysis on what we've witnessed, and while no opponent has seriously challenged Aspinall on the ground, his striking power would probably carry him through against a smaller Cormier. Even if Cormier got the fight to the mat, Aspinall's size, athleticism, and underrated Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) skills – a ground-fighting art involving submissions and escapes – would make it tough for Cormier to maintain control. As long as Aspinall keeps things standing in the early rounds, he'd hold advantages in striking, speed, and overall fight management.
And this is the part most people miss: Aspinall has the potential to be crowned the greatest heavyweight of all time. The heavyweight class has always been a fan favorite, from UFC boss Dana White's perspective and beyond, but it rarely sees a dominant champion who rules for years. With only one UFC loss – and that due to injury – Aspinall is already building a legacy. The catch? The division's lack of elite competition. Still, if he racks up wins like Merab Dvalishvili has at bantamweight, stacking victories against increasingly tough foes, his greatness will be undeniable.
What do you think? Is Aspinall's self-doubt about Cormier justified, or is it just humble bragging? Could he really rewrite heavyweight history, or is the weak division holding him back? Share your thoughts in the comments – do you agree, disagree, or have a counterpoint about who Aspinall could or couldn't beat?
