Tom Aspinall, the #4 ranked UFC heavyweight, is gearing up for his co-main event fight against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. Despite admitting that he won’t be at his cardiovascular peak due to the short notice, 30-year-old Aspinall remains confident and determined to walk out of Madison Square Garden as the interim heavyweight champion.
Key Takeaway
Tom Aspinall acknowledges that he won’t be at his cardiovascular peak for UFC 295 but remains confident and ready to claim the interim heavyweight title. Despite the short notice, he has been training consistently and believes that his mental preparation and determination will make up for any physical deficiencies. Facing off against the formidable Sergei Pavlovich, Aspinall is eager to showcase his skills and take a step closer to becoming the champion.
Mental Preparation and Training
Aspinall revealed that while he may not be at his fittest ever, he has been training consistently, even without a fight scheduled. He emphasized that two and a half weeks was enough time to switch on his fighting mindset and mentally prepare himself. Although he estimates his fitness level to be around 80 to 90 percent, he feels good and ready for the challenge.
Seizing the Opportunity
The opportunity to fight for the interim title came unexpectedly for Aspinall when Jon Jones was unable to compete against Stipe Miocic due to an injury. Despite not being in camp like his opponent Pavlovich, Aspinall eagerly accepted the offer and is determined to make the most of it.
When asked about the decision, Aspinall stated that it wasn’t a tough one for him personally. He had been asking for this fight and wouldn’t have pursued it if he didn’t genuinely want it. Although he would have preferred more time to train, he believes things happen for a reason and that this situation will ultimately benefit him in some way.
A Formidable Opponent
Sergei Pavlovich poses a significant challenge for Aspinall. With only one loss in his professional career and six consecutive wins in the UFC, Pavlovich is regarded as one of the scariest fighters in the promotion. Known for his knockout power, finishing 83% of his fights by knockout, Pavlovich will test Aspinall’s skills and resilience inside the Octagon.
Impressive Record and Fighting at MSG
Despite the challenges, Aspinall’s own record speaks for itself. With victories over formidable opponents such as Marcin Tybura, Alexander Volkov, and Andrei Arlovski, he has proven his capabilities as an athlete. Additionally, the fight taking place at Madison Square Garden adds to the significance of the moment for Aspinall. Recognizing MSG as the most prestigious arena for combat athletes, he expressed his excitement and stated that there was nowhere else in the world he would rather be on Saturday night.
