Aspinall downplays Cormier's excitement about dominating the UFC heavyweight division: 'I have a lot to prove'

Aspinall focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Tom aspinall finds himself at the center of a controversy on the eve of his important fight at UFC 321. This Saturday (25), in Abu Dhabi (UAE), the Englishman aims to defend the linear heavyweight belt (up to 120,2 kg) for the first time against Cyryl Gane, but first, he had to speak out because of a somewhat inappropriate comment made by Daniel Cormier.

On his official YouTube channel, Aspinall shared a conversation with DC, in which the latter praised him and criticized the quality of the other athletes in the division. Excited about the possibility of Gane dominating the heavyweight division, the American practically ruled out any chance of Gane winning at UFC 321, stating that Jailton Malhadinho doesn't know how to fight and remembered that he won Alexander Volkov quickly.

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When asked what he thought of the veteran's comment, Aspinall tried to downplay the controversy. Despite expressing confidence in his skill level to dominate the heavyweight division and make MMA history, the Englishman didn't completely embrace Cormier's praise. Calmly, the division champion preached respect for other competitors and caution regarding fights.

“Heavyweight is the most dangerous and unpredictable division in the entire sport. I think my level is better than anyone else's, but does that mean I can lose? I don't know. I feel like I'm the best, but I still have a lot to prove and I'm looking to do that,” said the champion at the UFC 321 press conference, held last Thursday (23).

Aspinall's main UFC victories

In the UFC since 2020, Tom aspinall impresses in the octagon. The Englishman has fought nine fights for the company and won eight times. His main victories were over Alexander Volkov, Andrei Arlovski, Curtis blaydes, Marcin tybura, Sergei Pavlovich e Serghei Spivac.

Impressive numbers

In the octagon, Tom aspinall He usually puts on a show. In nine UFC fights, the Englishman has won eight, with only one going past the first round. Andrei Arlovski managed to resist the athlete's attacks in the first five minutes, but ended up being finished in the second round.