Here’s a bold statement: Tom Aspinall, the current UFC heavyweight champion, might be one of the most uniquely talented fighters in the division’s history, but even he admits there’s one legend he’s not sure he could beat. And this is the part most people miss—despite his dominance, Aspinall’s humility shines through when he acknowledges the challenge of facing a prime Daniel Cormier. But here’s where it gets controversial: could Aspinall’s explosive style and lateral movement actually give him the edge against Cormier’s wrestling prowess? Let’s dive in.
In just a few weeks, Tom Aspinall will step into the Octagon in Abu Dhabi for UFC 321, defending his heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane. Since his UFC debut in 2020, Aspinall has been a fighter to watch, with fans and analysts alike recognizing his potential to reshape the division. Yet, it took him five fights to truly believe in himself—a reminder that even the greatest athletes grapple with self-doubt. Now, as champion, he’s open about his respect for Cormier, a fighter he believes would have been a nightmare matchup in his prime.
But here’s the twist: Aspinall’s reign comes during what many consider one of the weakest heavyweight eras in UFC history. The division lacks depth, and while Aspinall’s talent is undeniable, it’s hard not to wonder how he’d fare against legends like Mark Hunt, Junior dos Santos, or Cain Velasquez. Had he competed in their era, would he be a global superstar? It’s a question that sparks debate.
Daniel Cormier, in my opinion, is one of the most underappreciated champions in UFC history. His wrestling ability made him a nightmare for opponents, and it’s this skill set that Aspinall admits could be his undoing. Wrestling isn’t as prominent in the UK as it is in the U.S., and British fighters often struggle against top-tier grapplers. Yet, Aspinall’s lateral movement—a rarity in a sport where fighters often retreat straight back—makes him a tough target for takedowns. Serghei Spivac tried and failed to take him down, and even Curtis Blaydes, a renowned wrestler, didn’t get the chance before Aspinall ended the fight early.
Here’s the controversial part: While Cormier’s wrestling is legendary, Aspinall’s speed and disruptive fighting style could neutralize it. In Cormier’s bouts against Stipe Miocic, he often took too long to find his rhythm—a luxury Aspinall wouldn’t grant him. And even if Cormier managed to take the fight to the ground, Aspinall’s size, athleticism, and underrated BJJ skills could make it a grueling battle.
So, could Tom Aspinall become the greatest heavyweight of all time? Historically, the division has lacked a dominant, long-reigning champion, and Aspinall’s lone UFC loss came via injury. If he continues to stack wins like Merab Dvalishvili at bantamweight, his legacy will be undeniable. But the question remains: does the current lack of heavyweight talent diminish his potential greatness? Or does it simply highlight his ability to dominate in any era?
What do you think? Could Aspinall beat a prime Daniel Cormier? And does the weakness of the current heavyweight division impact his legacy? Let’s debate in the comments—I’m eager to hear your take!
