A new name was added to the pantheon of North West pugilists on Saturday night. Step aside Anthony Crolla, Ricky Hatton, Tyson Fury and MMA great Michael Bisping, because there is a new star in town: Tom Aspinall.
On two weeks’ notice, the gentle giant crossed the Atlantic to face the scariest man in the UFC. A chance at eternal glory, achieved by several Manchester names of the past, awaited.
Sergei Pavlovich had finished his previous six opponents by first-round stoppage before he was left tasting the Madison Square Garden canvas inside 70 seconds. Disciplined in martial arts by his father, Andy, since seven years old, over two decades of blood, sweat and tears culminated in the UFC gold being wrapped around Tom’s waist.
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What is it about the waters around these parts?
“I was thinking about this on the flight back,” he tells MEN Sport. “We’re very working-class people from the North West. It’s in our DNA. I’m from a mining town, we are tough people. Everyone has to graft for what they have. I have no idea (why so many fighters hail from the region) but there are a lot of tough people from the North West, that’s for sure.”
Hailing from Atherton, a town pivotal to the Manchester Coalfields’ output during the Industrial Revolution, the gentle giant is as humble as they come. Nothing personifies modesty more than being back on the school run, in the North West rain, just 72 hours after fulfilling a lifelong dream.
The party days are over, with the 30-year-old hellbent on becoming the best to ever do it. While Tom exudes the persona of a down-to-earth, level-headed bloke, someone who could blend in with the rest of us despite his superstardom, there is no denying the confidence - and stone-cold killer - entrenched within.
“The celebrations were quite minimal, to be honest,” he adds. “By the time we did the media and got back to the hotel, it was 3am. We had a few drinks in the hotel then went to a bar - and we were done! It was probably like 6am by the time we got back but it was only a couple of hours. It wasn’t too heavy.
“I’m back to normal already. I took the kids to school today and I pick them up in an hour. I’m going about my day, there’s nothing new going on. Everyone seems happy for me, especially being a local guy. It’s really nice and I appreciate it.
“To be honest, I’m looking forward to getting back in the gym in the next few days. Since I did my knee, I’m not really into partying too much anymore. I’m focused on being the best heavyweight of all time. I’ll celebrate when my career is over.”
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Tom’s next challenge could be his biggest yet. No man, nonsensical disqualification loss against Matt Hamill 14 years ago aside, has ever stepped inside a cage with Jon Jones and emerged victorious.
The American, a two-weight, undefeated champion with the most illustrious resume in the sport, is widely considered the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. It was his torn pectoral injury which paved the way for Tom to seize the day on short notice and clinch the UFC strap.
UFC president Dana White has refused to strip Jones - ruled out for eight months - of the undisputed title. Talk of a pre-retirement showdown with all-time great Stipe Miocic was postponed but Tom, and anyone else in the fight game worth their salt, are no longer interested.
“I want to fight Jon Jones,” Tom declares. “Yes, it would sting a little (if the fight does not get made). I would absolutely love that fight. Is it going to define my overall career? No. But Would it be nice to take the fight against someone considered the greatest of all time? Absolutely. I would love that fight more than any other - that’s what I’m aiming for right now.”
Whether he likes it or not, Tom is now a superstar. Just like how Bisping inspired a fresh wave of British fighters, the heavyweight champion hailing from these shores will motivate the next generation.
A well-travelled road has seen the Atherton native fighting in Las Vegas, Abu Dhabi, New York and London, where he headlined three UK shows. But now he calls for a homecoming. Acknowledging his roots and new-found status as a role model, there was only going to be one answer when asked where the first title defence should take place.
“For me, it’s the Manchester Arena, 100 per cent. A stadium would be great but, I’m a Manchester guy, I’d love it (my next fight) to be here. I know they’re building a new arena as well which will be next to (Manchester) City’s ground, which is going to be even bigger. If we can do that next year, it would be absolutely insane.
“I never really set out to inspire anybody, that’s not really my goal. But if I can inspire people, it’s a bonus. I’m not trying to be some inspirational figure who everyone can look up to and follow.
“I’m flawed. I’ve done things wrong on the way as well. Nobody should look at me and follow my every step. If I can inspire someone to get into martial arts and live a clean, healthy lifestyle, that will do for me.”
To relive Tom Aspinall becoming UFC Interim Heavyweight Champion, please subscribe to UFC Fight Pass and watch UFC 295: Prochazka vs Perreiera.
