Tom Aspinall stands at a crossroads in his combating profession as he defends his undisputed UFC heavyweight title in opposition to Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Behind the scenes, nevertheless, his father and long-time coach Andy Aspinall has made clear his desire for a distinct path: boxing.
In current interviews, the 62-year-old coach has publicly acknowledged he doesn’t need his son to signal a brand new contract with the UFC as soon as his present deal expires, as an alternative advocating for a high-profile boxing transition that would generate considerably bigger paydays.
Tom Aspinall’s Father Advises Against New UFC Contract, Pushes Son Toward Boxing Transition
Tom at the moment has three fights remaining on his current UFC contract. Following these three fights, Andy sees a possibility for his son to pursue what he views as a extra profitable path. Chatting with RMC Sport Combat, Andy defined his reasoning straight: “Boxing for certain. The cash is extra money. He has three extra fights on the contract, and I don’t wish to signal a brand new contract personally.”
Andy’s boxing advocacy is rooted in documented monetary disparities between the 2 sports activities. The distinction between MMA and boxing earnings has change into not possible to disregard following a number of high-profile crossovers. Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou earned roughly $600,000 in his ultimate UFC title protection in opposition to Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. His subsequent boxing debut in opposition to Tyson Fury in 2023 netted him roughly $10 million, greater than sixteen instances his championship UFC payday. Following that bout, Ngannou earned a reported $20 million for his combat in opposition to Anthony Joshua.
Tom himself has beforehand acknowledged the cash hole separating the sports activities. In an earlier look on The Diary of a CEO, he disclosed that his first skilled MMA combat earned him simply £200, whereas his preliminary UFC fights supplied him with look cash and win bonuses totaling $20,000 to $24,000 per contest. At 32 years previous, Tom represents exactly the kind of fighter Andy believes ought to capitalize on boxing alternatives throughout his remaining prime years.
Currently, Tom’s stance diverges from his father’s preference. When asked directly about his father’s boxing advocacy, Tom has indicated that while he recognizes the financial appeal, his immediate focus remains on his UFC heavyweight title reign. “Maybe, but it’s not something I think about a lot,” he told talkSPORT in October 2025. “I don’t look too far forward. Maybe at some point I’ll do it if I carry out nicely and dominate my division. I’ve some boxing expertise, however I’m not at a world-class stage, which is why I’m not specializing in it proper now.”
Having just lately been elevated to undisputed heavyweight champion following Jon Jones‘ retirement in June 2025, Tom seems decided to ascertain his legacy inside the UFC first. The fighter has traditionally emphasised desirous to filter out the heavyweight division and cement his standing earlier than contemplating different ventures. Andy’s intervention suggests pressure between father and son concerning profession trajectory, with Andy viewing the window for max boxing earnings as finite.
Tom’s first title protection in opposition to Gane, this weekend at UFC 321, represents a vital juncture. A dominant efficiency may strengthen his negotiating place with the UFC, probably securing improved phrases that may persuade him to stay. Conversely, an prolonged, aggressive combat may speed up discussions about his post-UFC future that Andy has already initiated.
