ONCE THAT OCTAGON DOOR SHUTS, IT'S ME OR THEM

Tom Aspinall was born for MMA - his father and coach Andy is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.

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Tom Aspinall is a man in waiting.

Having claimed the UFC interim heavyweight title back in November 2023, the 31-year-old Brit has been ready - itching, even - for his long-promised unification bout with Jon Jones.

Aspinall was pretty much born for MMA - his father, Andy, is a Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt and his lifelong coach. The wait for a chance to prove himself once more has been a frustrating one, bogged down by what Aspinall diplomatically refers to as “UFC politics.”

“It’s not ideal,” he admits. “I’ve not been able to go to work for nearly a year. I’ve been healthy all this time - no injuries, ready to fight - but nothing's moved.” Aspinall’s tone isn’t bitter. If anything, it’s focused as he takes time out from training to reveal all to Men’s Fitness. “We're almost there now. It’s been tough, yeah, but I’m looking ahead. This is the year of the undisputed champion.”

Men's Fitness: Staying fight-ready without a confirmed fight date is a unique challenge - how have you kept yourself physically and mentally on point?

Tom Aspinall: This game tests everything, your body, your mind, your patience. I'm in the gym every day. At least once, usually twice a day. All that really changes when a fight’s confirmed is the intensity - the sessions become longer and harder and the intensity ramps up. But that all helps focus the mind too.

MF: What does typical training day involve?