Tom Aspinall is preparing to defend his UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi, but the champion recently admitted there’s one man he’s not sure he could have beaten — Daniel Cormier.
The British star, known for his rare blend of speed, size, and skill, said that a prime Cormier’s wrestling would have caused him problems. “DC” remains one of the most respected champions in UFC history, with Olympic-level grappling that few have matched.
Still, Aspinall’s well-rounded skill set gives him multiple routes to victory against most heavyweights, past or present. His lateral movement and explosive striking make him difficult to take down, while his elite timing and technical boxing often overwhelm opponents before they can implement their game plans.
Cormier’s success relied on closing distance and controlling fights against the cage, but Aspinall’s speed and ability to fight off takedowns could neutralize that approach. If he kept the fight standing, his striking precision and size advantage would likely tilt the contest in his favor. Even on the ground, Aspinall’s underrated jiu-jitsu and athleticism could help him escape bad positions.
Although he respects Cormier’s legacy, Aspinall’s confidence and form suggest he could dominate today’s thinner heavyweight division. With only one UFC loss — a freak injury — the 32-year-old is already being discussed as a potential all-time great.
If Aspinall continues stacking wins and defending his belt, he might just become the dominant heavyweight champion the UFC has never had.
