Tom Aspinall reveals how Tyson Fury changed his view on pressure and the UFC

Tom aspinall is the interim heavyweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

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It's not every day that we see a UFC champion acknowledging the influence of one of the biggest names in world boxing. But that's exactly what happened. Tom aspinall did by opening his heart about the friendship and teachings he received from Tyson Fury, iconic former heavyweight champion.

For Aspinall, the relationship with Fury goes beyond technical exchanges – it is a story of how to deal with pressure, stay calm and see the sport for what it is: a contest, not a matter of life or death.

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“Tyson helped me a lot not only with my hands but with my head. I used to put a lot of pressure on myself. Now I’ve learned to see the sport in a lighter way,” Aspinall, 31, said during an interview with 'Piers Morgan Uncensored'.

The friendship with Fury began before it became an exchange of tips on how to improve in the sport. For Aspinall, the lessons on emotional balance were the most valuable. And he is clear about the impact of this change in perspective.

“Yes, the pressure is still there, but now it’s about enjoying the moment, not drowning in it. It’s not life or death. People have died in the ring. So if we die there, what’s the big deal? You don’t cringe every time you cross the street, right?”

Aspinall, who has had a meteoric rise in the UFC, winning the interim heavyweight belt in 2023, is one of the most promising fighters today. His record includes 15 wins (12 by knockout) and only three losses. He has overcome names such as Alexander Volkov, Curtis blaydes, Andrei Arlovski e Sergei Pavlovich in its trajectory.