As expected, the session on the mats between interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and UK influencer Angry Ginge played out predictably.
Tom Aspinall continues to target a fight against lineal UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones to unify the titles. With the status of those fight talks currently uncertain, Aspinall is staying active in the gym and recently hosted a session with a prominent UK content creator.
Aspinall hasn`t fought since defending his interim heavyweight title against Curtis Blaydes in July at UFC 304. Following that defense, Aspinall refocused on securing a bout for the undisputed championship against the winner of the Jones vs. Stipe Miocic fight.
Jones went on to defeat Miocic late in their contest to retain the lineal heavyweight championship, marking his first title defense after a significant layoff. Afterward, Jones hinted that negotiations were underway with UFC management and Aspinall to make the unified title fight a reality.
Tom Aspinall Gives Influencer `Angry Ginge` a Humbling Grappling Lesson
Aspinall invited UK influencer Angry Ginge to his gym to teach him the fundamentals of MMA. As one of the top fighters in the UFC, Aspinall is an excellent source of knowledge for both striking and grappling.
The lesson began with basic boxing instruction from Aspinall, who is known for his knockout victories over fighters like Serghei Spivac, Serghei Pavlovich, and Marcin Tybura. Ginge seemed to be an eager student as Aspinall demonstrated foundational concepts in stance, technique, and hitting pads.
However, the dynamic shifted dramatically once the session moved to the ground.
Aspinall challenged Ginge to attempt to control him from full mount, but the influencer`s effort for a viral moment was unsuccessful. Aspinall then initiated a separate exchange starting from side control, daring Ginge to land ground strikes as forcefully as possible while simultaneously trying to escape.
Once again, Aspinall easily controlled the interactions, providing Ginge with a clear demonstration of the difficulty and intensity of MMA grappling. The video below shows the grappling portion.
Update on Tom Aspinall`s Potential Fight Against Jon Jones
Aspinall`s anticipated bout with Jones recently faced potential complications this week after the lineal heavyweight champion hinted at a possible retirement during a recent FaceTime call with another fighter. Jones reportedly told the fighter “I`m done” when asked about his future fighting plans, suggesting a retirement announcement might be forthcoming.
UFC CEO Dana White has appeared `relaxed` about getting the Jones vs. Aspinall fight finalized. Nevertheless, White hasn`t ruled out the possibility of stripping Jones of his title if negotiations fail to advance, which would be a disappointing outcome for Aspinall after his extended wait for the opportunity.
Whether he faces Jones or another high-ranked heavyweight contender, Aspinall is expected to compete for the undisputed championship later this year. As for Jones, his legendary tenure in the Octagon could potentially be nearing its conclusion.
Jack Thornley