What type of Fighter is Tom Aspinall? Is the UFC Heavyweight a Kickboxer?

Jon Jones is the current heavyweight champion of the UFC. He was slated to face Stipe Miocic for his second title defense at UFC 295 this month. ‘Bones’ has admitted this fight means more to him than any other as Miocic is considered the heavyweight GOAT.

This bout, however, has been cancelled after Jones tore his pec and needed to undergo surgery, ruling him out for at least eight months. Jones, however, has promised to come back and fight Miocic. The UFC, meanwhile, has announced an interim heavyweight title bout between #2 ranked Sergei Pavlovich and #4 ranked Tom Aspinall for UFC 295 as a replacement. Aspinall who claims to be the next generation of heavyweights has his aims set on beating Jon Jones. Let us look at his fighting style to determine how he matches up.

Tom Aspinall’s fighting style explained

Tom Aspinall has a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He also has elite striking skills, as he has trained in Muay Thai and boxing. He even competed in a pro boxing match back in 2017. And in his UFC career, the Englishman has relied more on his striking than grappling, with 67% of his 13 wins coming via KO/TKO. His reliance on striking is also apparent from the fact that he has had only four takedowns in his seven UFC fights.

His grappling prowess is evident from the fact that he has a perfect 100% takedown as well as takedown defence rate. Aspinall is 6’6″, but is said to possess the dexterity, quickness, and technical abilities of a middleweight, an important factor behind his confidence he could beat Jones. Overall, he has a well-rounded game with elite-level striking and equally good grappling skills, surprising for such a big man.

Is Tom Aspinall a kickboxer?

Tom Aspinall is not a kickboxer, nor has he trained in kickboxing. He does, however, have a background in Muay Thai and competed in the discipline before taking up mixed martial arts. And he will need all his striking abilities against his upcoming UFC 295 opponent in Sergei Pavlovich.

Also Read: “Maybe He Should Retire…”: Ahead of His Fight Against Jon Jones, Stipe Miotic’s Revelation on How Loss Against Francis Ngannou Made Him Want to Leave MMA Forever Leaves the Fans Divided

The Russian has knocked out all his opponents in the first round in his last six fights. However, although their UFC 295 bout is for the interim title, it is uncertain if the winner will fight for the undisputed title against Jones next, or if the UFC will have Jones fight Miocic first. Do you think the winner of Pavlovich-Aspinall should fight Jones for the title next? Or do you think Miocic should get a shot at ‘Bones’ first? Let us know in the comments section below.

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