Tom Aspinall in boxing? Champion's father opens doors to the noble art: 'UFC doesn't pay'

Tom Aspinall is the new heavyweight champion. Photo: Reproduction X/UFC Europe

Newly crowned UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall hasn't even defended his belt yet, but his future outside of MMA is already being speculated. At 32 years old, the Briton is having a great run in the organization, but, according to his father and coach Andy Aspinall, he may be eyeing challenges in professional boxing, where the multi-million dollar purses are very attractive.

Before any further moves, Aspinall has a fight scheduled against Ciryl Gane, defending his title at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi on October 25th. However, should he remain victorious and attractive offers arise, Andy admits that his family is seriously considering the possibility of a transition to boxing.

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"We have a fight now and hope to have another in January. I'd also like him to headline a card in England, if he wants to do that again. Then we'll see what he wants to do. I'd love for him to have a well-paying boxing fight, for the money. The money is there, and I don't see why someone as talented as Tom shouldn't get a piece of it when boxers make hundreds of times more. The UFC doesn't pay that kind of money. If they did, it would be great. I think at least that 1% of fighters who are really, really good should be well paid."

The champion's father also emphasized the pay gap between MMA and other disciplines. Andy believes that, despite being one of the best in the world, Aspinall isn't paid commensurate with the level of risk and dedication required in the sport.

"They say Tom's money is good. Compared to a football player, an American football player, he makes a small fraction of what those guys make. He's one of the best in the world at what he does, and he doesn't get paid enough. And it's a dangerous sport. When he gets tired of it, I'll support him leaving," he concluded.

Tom Aspinall returns to the octagon to defend his undisputed heavyweight title for the first time at UFC 321 on October 25th in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, when he faces former interim champion Ciryl Gane in the main event.