Tom Aspinall: The Most Dominant UFC Heavyweight? Analysis and Key Facts

Tom Aspinall: Is He the Most Dominant Heavyweight in UFC History?

Being heavyweight champion is a pinnacle experience for any fighter. The title carries the nickname “the toughest man on the planet”, a designation that resonates strongly in the world of combat. This title became popular in boxing in the late 80s, during the reign of Mike Tyson. His aggressiveness and power left his opponents defeated by intimidation. Although boxing has had fearsome figures, the title of “the toughest man” has moved to mixed martial arts (MMA), a sport with a wider variety of matchups. The path to the heavyweight title in MMA is often marked by significant victories. Francis Ngannou conquered the UFC belt in 2021, Stipe Miocic, who holds the record for successful title defenses. Miocic won the title in 2016, defeating Fabricio Werdum, who in turn had defeated legends like Fedor Emelianenko and Cain Velasquez. Velasquez became champion in 2010 after a victory over Brock Lesnar. In contrast, the current UFC heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall, ascended to the title differently. Unlike other champions, 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 on 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.

Although Aspinall (15-3) is not necessarily the most decorated, that honor could go to Emelianenko, who had an undefeated streak of 29 fights, or Miocic, who defended the UFC title the most times and holds the record for wins in heavyweight title fights. Another outstanding competitor is Randy Couture, the only fighter to reign three times as UFC heavyweight champion.

Aspinall, on the other hand, has maintained unprecedented dominance. His UFC record is 8-1, with only one loss due to injury. Aspinall’s most recent victory was by knockout in the first round, following the trend of his other victories in the UFC.

• He has the shortest average fight time in UFC history (2 minutes, 2 seconds).
• He has spent the least amount of time in bottom position in UFC history (1 second).
• His takedown average per 15 minutes of fighting is the highest in UFC heavyweight history.
• His significant strikes per minute average is the highest in UFC heavyweight history.
• His significant strike differential is the highest in UFC history.

Aspinall is the personification of dominance, unprecedented dominance.

If anyone in MMA’s past showed a level of dominance similar to Aspinall’s, it was Ronda Rousey. She won her first 12 fights, all by finish, and most in the first round. However, her streak ended against Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes.

In heavyweight, the story was similar with Shane Carwin. He built a 12-0 record with quick finishes, but lost to Lesnar. Some might say that Aspinall, like Jones, deserves an incomplete grade. However, Aspinall has proven his worth and, if he defeats Gane, he will have defeated the four UFC heavyweights who are right behind him in the rankings. With 32 years old, Aspinall has time to achieve much more and face any challenge. Will he add another stellar chapter to his story this weekend, or will he completely change the narrative about Tom Aspinall?