Tom Aspinall’s father and long-time coach, Andy Aspinall, has revealed concerns over his son’s earnings despite being the reigning UFC heavyweight champion.
Aspinall, 32, captured the undisputed title in June after Jon Jones’ surprise retirement and is set to defend it against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 on October 25. Known for his explosive rise, Aspinall scored six first-round knockouts in his first nine UFC fights before becoming champion.
Speaking on his son’s YouTube channel, Andy suggested that boxing could become a future path due to the massive financial rewards.
“He’ll fight now, and hopefully again in January. I’d like him to headline in England if he chooses, but beyond that, I’d love him to take a highly paid boxing match,” Andy said. “Boxers are making a hundred times more, and I don’t see why someone as talented as Tom shouldn’t earn that.”
Andy stressed that while UFC offers exposure, fighter pay still lags far behind boxing. “The UFC aren’t paying that type of money. If they did, it’d be great. But the one percent of fighters who are truly elite deserve much more.”
Aspinall already has professional boxing experience. In 2017, when heavyweight MMA opportunities were limited under Cage Warriors, he stepped into the ring and stopped Hungary’s Tamas Bajzath in the first round of his pro boxing debut.
Now, with his UFC future secure but financial questions looming, a potential switch to boxing could be on the horizon.
