Tom Aspinall Reveals Interesting Training Methods Ahead of UFC 304

Tom Aspinall revealed the interesting training methods he is currently employing in preparation for his UFC 304 fight against Curtis Blaydes.

The British heavyweight fighter is currently interim heavyweight champion and is hoping for a title fight with Jon Jones.

Aspinall also spoke about the importance of his upcoming fight.

Tom Aspinall Dipped Knuckles In Petrol

While many UFC fighters have strange superstitions and training methods leading up to their fight, Aspinall has shared his own. In an interview with MMA Hour he said: “Have you ever seen the documentary Knuckle? You know that one? It’s a documentary about travellers, travelling communities on the British Isles. And there’s a guy in it, big Joe Joyce. An old travelling legend and big Joe Joyce reveals some gypsy methods of preparing for a fight.

“I wanted to tap into a bit of gypsy heritage that I have, so I thought: I’m going to make a little ring out of hay bales.

“When it’s about 4 in the morning, I set my alarm, go outside, do a little shadow boxing in the hay bales. Then I do the old traveler method of dipping your knuckles in gasoline for about 20 minutes as the sun comes up, which hardens your knuckles.

“These are some of the hardest knuckles in the UFC right now. They’re like rocks.”

An early start does not bother Aspinall

With UFC 304 now taking place at 4am in the UK to accommodate the UFC’s North American audience, Aspinall revealed that it won’t affect his preparation. While the timing of the event has received criticism from both British fans and former fighters, Aspinall revealed that it won’t make much of a difference.

Tom Aspinall said: “Look mate, if you can fight really well at 12 o’clock at night but not at 4 in the morning, then you weren’t that good in the first place, in my opinion.

“Like, there’s been plenty of times where I’ve traveled the world, fought in different time zones and not adjusted. And now I’ve had a full training camp at home. I’m ready to fight right away, so if that’s an excuse, mate, you’re not that good in the first place.”

“I never thought about it, it never occurred to me to think, okay, I’m going to start sparring at midnight, just to get my body ready. It never occurred to me in, like, thirty fights or however many fights I’ve had. And all the times I’ve gotten on a plane and traveled somewhere, it never bothered me because of the time difference. Why should it start now? But having said that, I prepare for it. I wake up, I shadowbox. I take it very seriously.”

A seismic opportunity

Aspinall’s upcoming fight is a seismic opportunity for the British heavyweight to stake his claim to a legitimate title fight. The Manchester-born fighter, who last lost to Curtis Blaydes after injuring his ACL, looks to right the wrongs of last time out. Aspinall looks set for a title shot if he defeats Curtis Blaydes.

Tom Aspinall said: “This is a massive fight for me, both professionally and personally. When I started the sport of MMA, which was quite a while ago now, this is why I did it. All of this.

“There are a lot of people out there trying to achieve their dreams and goals in life. This is the goal, this is the dream, this is it. In two weeks, this is the dream. Defending a UFC heavyweight title in my hometown of Manchester in front of 25,000 Manchester fans is something that probably half a percent of the world can live the dream of at this level.

“And I’m not just talking about fighting. I’m just talking about people with dreams and goals in general. Whatever happens on that day. I’ve done it and I’ve experienced it, and my whole life has led up to this point.”

With current champion Jon Jones injured and no return date scheduled at this time, this fight for Aspinall could move up the division and place the British fighter ahead of Stipe Miocic for a title fight.

Who will win this exciting confrontation, Tom Aspinall or Curtis Blaydes? Comment below

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