Tom Aspinall stands at a crossroads in his combating profession as he defends his undisputed UFC heavyweight title towards 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 choice for a special course: 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 a substitute advocating for a high-profile boxing transition that might generate considerably bigger paydays.
Tom Aspinall’s Father Advises Towards New UFC Contract, Pushes Son Towards Boxing Transition
Tom at present 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 Fight, Andy defined his reasoning instantly: “Boxing for positive. The cash is more cash. He has three extra fights on the contract, and I don’t need 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 turn into unattainable to disregard following a number of high-profile crossovers. Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou earned roughly $600,000 in his closing UFC title protection towards Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. His subsequent boxing debut towards 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 struggle towards 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 struggle 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.
Presently, Tom’s stance diverges from his father’s choice. When requested instantly about his father’s boxing advocacy, Tom has indicated that whereas he acknowledges the monetary enchantment, his rapid focus stays on his UFC heavyweight title reign. “Perhaps, however it’s not one thing I take into consideration quite a bit,” he informed talkSPORT in October 2025. “I don’t look too far forward. Maybe in the future I’ll do it if I carry out effectively and dominate my division. I’ve some boxing expertise, however I’m not at a world-class degree, which is why I’m not specializing in it proper now.”
Having not too long ago been elevated to undisputed heavyweight champion following Jon Jones‘ retirement in June 2025, Tom seems decided to determine his legacy inside the UFC first. The fighter has traditionally emphasised eager to filter 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 towards Gane, this weekend at UFC 321, represents a essential 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 struggle would possibly speed up discussions about his post-UFC future that Andy has already initiated.
