Imagine a fighter so dominant that he’s on the brink of becoming the greatest heavyweight of all time, yet he openly admits there’s one legend he believes he couldn’t beat. That fighter is Tom Aspinall, and his humility is as striking as his punches. In just a few weeks, Aspinall will defend his UFC heavyweight title for the first time against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi—a moment that could solidify his place in MMA history. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite his unparalleled skill, Aspinall recently confessed he’d likely fall short against a prime Daniel Cormier. Bold statement, right? Let’s dive in.
From the moment Tom Aspinall stepped into the UFC in 2020, fans knew they were witnessing something extraordinary. His unique style and explosive power hinted at a future champion. Yet, it took five fights for Aspinall himself to truly believe in his potential. Fast forward to today, and he’s not just a champion—he’s a phenomenon. But even with the belt around his waist, he remains grounded, acknowledging the challenges a prime Cormier would pose. And this is the part most people miss: Aspinall’s honesty isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s a testament to his respect for the sport’s legends.
But here’s the twist: While Aspinall might struggle against Cormier, he’d likely dominate most other heavyweight icons. The problem? He’s part of one of the weakest heavyweight divisions in UFC history. This lack of competition has kept him from reaching the global stardom he deserves. Imagine Aspinall in the era of Mark Hunt, Junior dos Santos, or Cain Velasquez—he’d be unstoppable. Yet, his current division lacks the depth to truly test his limits.
Cormier, in my opinion, is one of the most underappreciated champions ever. His wrestling prowess made him a nightmare for anyone in the Octagon. Wrestling, a cornerstone of MMA, is less prominent in the UK, where Aspinall hails from, which could explain his admitted vulnerability. But Aspinall isn’t your average British fighter. He’s a lateral mover, avoiding the cage and frustrating opponents who try to take him down. Serghei Spivac attempted it—and failed. Even Curtis Blaydes, a notorious wrestler, couldn’t get close before Aspinall ended the fight early.
Here’s the controversial part: Aspinall’s speed and disruptive style might give Cormier more trouble than fans realize. In Cormier’s fights against Stipe Miocic, he often took too long to find his rhythm—a luxury Aspinall wouldn’t grant. Plus, Aspinall’s size, athleticism, and underrated BJJ skills could neutralize Cormier’s ground game. If Aspinall keeps the fight standing, even for a few minutes per round, he’d likely dominate.
But let’s not forget the elephant in the room: the current heavyweight division lacks high-level competition. Aspinall’s path to greatness is clear, but will he be remembered as the greatest ever? That depends on how he stacks up wins and whether he faces tougher challenges. Fighters like Merab Dvalishvili at bantamweight are setting the bar high—can Aspinall do the same?
What do you think? Could Aspinall beat a prime Daniel Cormier, or is he right to admit defeat? And does the lack of competition in his division diminish his legacy? Let’s debate in the comments—I want to hear your take!
