UFC heavyweight contender Tom Aspinall is making ready to make his second consecutive stroll to the O2 Area for a marquee bout, however he says this time a very totally different model of himself will likely be contained in the cage.
At UFC Battle Evening 208 final July, Aspinall suffered a nasty knee harm after trying a tough leg kick on Curtis Blaydes, which resulted in MCL and meniscus tears, and ACL injury. The accidents required surgical procedure and bodily remedy to get again on monitor, which he admits was a irritating course of. Now Aspinall is prepared for motion, and anxious to right the document when he steps into the identical octagon on July 22 to face Marcin Tybura in London.
“I really feel like I want to return to the O2 Area and completely spark somebody,” Aspinall instructed BT Sport. “And I’m itching to do it to love proper that flawed. I wish to knock somebody out within the O2 Area. … I couldn’t be happier that they’re placing me on the O2, as a essential occasion as properly. The identical spot that it occurred. Nearly a 12 months later to the day.
“I’ve bought quite a bit to show, I’ve bought a chip on my shoulder and these heavyweights are in for a foul time now, let me let you know.”
Whereas unable to coach throughout his restoration section, Aspinall’s mindset started to alter. Not a heavyweight fighter glad to be on the UFC roster, Aspinall’s focus began to change into sharper. He made wholesale adjustments to his day-to-day processes, and eradicated something or anybody from his life that takes away from his final objective of changing into UFC heavyweight champion.
“I believe that pre-injury Tom Aspinall and post-surgery Tom Aspinall are two utterly totally different folks,” Aspinall stated. “I believe earlier than, the whole lot was going properly and I used to be simply blaze about the entire thing. … And I didn’t understand how a lot I cherished this sport and the way a lot I wish to do it till it was doubtlessly taken away from me. I had no concept how a lot I’m determined for greatness till it was nearly taken away from me. Now I get up each morning and I can’t wait to go to the fitness center and prepare.”
Aspinall received his first 5 fights within the UFC earlier than the harm simply 15 seconds into the primary spherical towards Blaydes. Aspinall stopped eight straight opponents general on his win streak, and the title shot was maybe proper across the nook if he defeated Blaydes. The restoration course of from surgical procedure gave him time to place the whole lot in perspective, and is grateful the whole lot occurred the way in which it did.
“That is by far one of the best factor that’s occurred in my MMA profession,” Aspinall stated. “By far. Every thing was easy crusing earlier than. I used to be simply so blaze about the whole lot. I don’t wish to say the starvation wasn’t there, as a result of it was. However my starvation is off the dimensions now. Ask anybody who’s round me. I’m like on edge for greatness.”
