Tom Aspinall: Is he the most dominant heavyweight in MMA history?
Being heavyweight champion is a unique experience for a fighter, a title that carries the nickname “the baddest man on the planet.” This recognition was popularized in boxing with Mike Tyson in the 80s, whose aggressiveness and intimidation terrorized his opponents. Although boxing hasn’t seen anyone like him since, the title has moved to MMA, a sport with a wider variety of combat.
The path to being recognized as “the baddest man on the planet” in MMA is often tied to how the championship is won. Francis Ngannou conquered the UFC belt in 2021 by knocking out Stipe Miocic, who set a record for title defenses. Miocic, in turn, won the title in 2016 by defeating Fabricio Werdum, who had previously secured his place by defeating Fedor Emelianenko and Cain Velasquez.
In contrast, the current UFC heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall, has had a different rise. Unlike Ngannou and Miocic, Aspinall did not dethrone a reigning champion to obtain the title. The UFC promoted him from interim champion to undisputed champion four months ago, following the retirement of Jon Jones.
Aspinall will defend his title for the first time this Saturday against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. However, before Aspinall enters the octagon, he has already established himself as the most dominant heavyweight in MMA history.
While not considered the best heavyweight of all time, an honor generally given to Emelianenko, nor the most successful, a title that could belong to Miocic, Aspinall has demonstrated unprecedented dominance.
Aspinall has an 8-1 record in the UFC, with his only loss due to injury. His most recent victory was a knockout in the first minute against Curtis Blaydes. Of his eight UFC victories, seven were in the first round, making him the fighter with the most first-round victories in his first nine appearances in the modern era of the UFC.
Shortest average fight time in UFC history (2 minutes, 2 seconds).
Least time in bottom position in UFC history (1 second).
Highest average takedowns per 15 minutes of fight in UFC heavyweight history.
Highest average of significant strikes landed per minute in UFC heavyweight history.
Highest significant strike differential per minute in UFC history.
Emelianenko, despite his greatness, had difficult moments during his undefeated streak. Miocic, although he has the title defense record, was knocked out four times in the octagon. Aspinall, unlike them, has shown consistent dominance.
While Aspinall has yet to defend his undisputed title, he has already proven his worth by defeating a former UFC heavyweight champion, Andrei Arlovski. If he defeats Gane this Saturday, he will have defeated the four UFC heavyweights ranked just behind him.
At 32 years old, Aspinall has time to achieve more and face any challenge that comes his way. Will he add another stellar chapter to his story this weekend, or will the narrative about Tom Aspinall change completely?Fedor Emelianenko, izquierda, estuvo invicto desde abril de 2001 hasta junio de 2010.
