Tom Aspinall’s immediate future remains unknown after his brutal fighting-ending injury at UFC London. He is taking it all in stride, vowing to come back stronger after the TKO defeat to Curtis Blaydes.
After Saturday’s UFC event, Aspinall issued two statements. He thanked the UFC doctors and supporters for their support. Blaydes also dropped by for a pint to thank him for his knee injury.
“A beer makes everything feel better,” Aspinall wrote. What a man, Curtis the big guy and his crew popped by to say hi. Freak accidents happen unfortunately, tonight wasn’t my night. Love u all.”
Aspinall’s injury brought an end to the UFC London main event just 15 seconds into the fight after an initial exchange of strikes. After receiving a Blaydes punch and a leg kick, the British heavyweight fell to his knees on the floor. After a Blaydes punch with a leg kick, he writhed for several seconds before referee Herb Dean intervened and saved his life. Medical personnel rushed to help him. The referee Herb Dean placed him in a brace for his leg and took him out of the octagon.
It is still unknown what type of injury Aspinall has. The 29-year-old heavyweight did not reveal any new details about the status of his knee and his timeline for recovery. Instead, he accepted that “last night wasn’t my night” after the “freak injury” and added his training for the bout was “brilliant.”
Screenshot of Aspinall’s complete statement :
Last Night wasn’t mine, but my preparation camp for the fight was fantastic.
These things sometimes happen. Now is the right time to rebuild, recover and be stronger.
Wanted to express my deep gratitude to UFC and the paramedics who looked after me.
But, thank you to all the fans. Thank you for all your support and messages, both before and during the fight. You’re all amazing!
Curtis, I want to say thank you for being such a gentleman. It didn’t go as we wanted it to, but the fact that Curtis came to see me afterwards for a beer is a testament to your character.
Finally my family and my team. This is a very elite sport and we will continue to compete.
Big love Tom
After five consecutive octagon victories, Aspinall’s TKO injury was his first UFC setback. All of them were stoppages. 7 spot in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings.
Blaydes, the No. 5 heavyweight, aims to move on after UFC London. He told reporters he is “not risking my ranking” by taking an immediate rematch with Aspinall. He will now have three wins on his record.
