BREAKING: Dana White announces Jon Jones retirement…but UFC Heavyweight star Tom Aspinall still wants a title fight. He reveals the truth about Jon Jones’ retirement, and breaks down the champion mindset, fear, and mental toughness required for UFC title fights.
Tom Aspinall is the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion, a top-ranked professional mixed martial artist, and the first British heavyweight in history to claim a UFC title. He was set to face UFC legend Jon Jones until Jones announced his retirement in June 2025, automatically elevating Aspinall from interim to undisputed champion.
Tom explains:
- The mental trick he uses to control fear before stepping into the cage.
- Why so many young men feel lost, and how MMA gave him purpose.
- The harsh reality of life as a UFC fighter behind the scenes.
- How embracing pain, pressure, and adversity made him a champion.
Intro
Did You See This Coming?
What Was Your Reaction When You Found Out Jon Jones Was Retiring?
Did You Want to Fight Jon?
Was Jon's Decision a Strategic Dodge?
Do You Take It as a Compliment?
Would You Fight Jon If He Came Back?
What's Changed Overnight?
Who's the Contender Now?
When Will You Fight Next?
What Was Your Family's Reaction?
If Jon Is Watching, What Would You Say?
The Dream to Become a Heavyweight Champion
Where Does Tom Aspinall Come From?
Where Did Your Inspiration Come From?
What Kept You Going?
Why Did Your Mum Never Come to an MMA Fight?
What Advice Would You Give to Young People?
I'm Scared to Fight Anybody
I've Always Been Fearful to Fight
Overcoming the Fear
Working on Your Mental Strength
Tom's Process of Writing Things Down
Very Few Make Money Fighting
Tom Aspinall's Career Progression and Fighting Style
When Do You Start Making Good Money?
Sergei Pavlovich Fight
It Takes Years to Become an Overnight Success
Having Kids at 23 and Not Being Able to Support Them
Your Rock Bottom Moment
Tom's Family
Ads
My Knee Problems Helped My Career Massively
Surrounded by Toxic People
How Did You Feel After the Injury?
Did It Knock Your Confidence?
Jon Jones
There's No Contract Signed
Tom's Fighting Secrets
The Health Routine to Get Into Elite Shape
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Why Do You Do Hypnotherapy?
Your Journey With Anxiety
Your Son's Health
Having an Autistic Child
The Importance of an Autism Diagnosis
The UFC Heavyweight Champion Belt
How Did You Feel Winning the Heavyweight Championship?
Retiring Early to Avoid Cognitive Issues
Why Are You Special?
How I Prepare Mentally on Fight Day
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