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Over the past few years, Tom Aspinall has cemented his place as one of the UFC heavyweight division’s rising stars. With an impressive record of 15-3, including 11 knockouts and four submissions, the Englishman has become a force to be reckoned with. His lone UFC loss in 2022, due to a freak ACL tear just 15 seconds into his fight with Curtis Blaydes, hasn’t slowed him down. Instead, Aspinall has surged forward, claiming the interim heavyweight title and defending it in dominant fashion this past July.
Now, with a potential super-fight against lineal heavyweight champion Jon Jones looming in 2025, Aspinall remains a hot topic in MMA circles. Yet, his recent comments about training with former UFC heavyweight champion and WWE legend Brock Lesnar have caught fans off guard and sparked conversation.
A Surprising Pick from Tom Aspinall in “Fight, Train, Drink”
In a playful YouTube short, Aspinall was presented with an intriguing challenge: choose which fighters he’d prefer to fight, train with, or have a drink with from a given trio. His first batch of names included Alexander Volkov, Brock Lesnar, and Cain Velasquez.
Aspinall’s decisions?
Drink: Volkov – “We fought before, and I beat him in the first round. He seems like a chill guy to have a pint with.”
Fight: Velasquez – “Because he’s a legend. It’d be an honor to face him in the cage.”
Train: Lesnar – “Train with Lesnar because my escapes would be unbelievable because he’s so strong on top.”
The decision to train with Lesnar raised eyebrows, as many would expect Velasquez, known for his elite wrestling and cardio, to be the preferred training partner. However, Aspinall’s reasoning was sharp: Lesnar’s unparalleled strength and dominance on the ground would provide a unique challenge, particularly in preparing for the grappling prowess of someone like Jon Jones.
Could a Brock Lesnar Training Session Actually Happen?
While the idea of Aspinall and Lesnar training together seems far-fetched, the possibility isn’t entirely out of the realm of MMA fantasy. Lesnar’s sporadic involvement in combat sports makes him an elusive figure, but the allure of working with one of the UFC’s hottest talents could intrigue the former heavyweight champ.
For Aspinall, the benefit is clear. Training with Lesnar, whose brute force and wrestling ability earned him a UFC heavyweight title, could help the interim champion refine his escapes and grappling defense. These skills will be critical if he faces Jones, a fighter with a dynamic wrestling style and a knack for exploiting opponents’ weaknesses on the ground.
Aspinall’s Pragmatic Approach
The choice to train with Lesnar also speaks to Aspinall’s calculated mindset. The Englishman continues to evolve his game, seeking out challenges that push his limits. Whether or not a training session with Lesnar ever materializes, the mere suggestion highlights Aspinall’s respect for the greats of the sport and his relentless pursuit of improvement.
As the heavyweight division braces for what could be one of the biggest title fights in recent memory, fans can only hope that Aspinall’s openness to unique training opportunities pays off. One thing is certain: Tom Aspinall isn’t just aiming for the top; he’s looking to stay there.