Tom Aspinall is “heavyweight Georges St-Pierre” says Michael Bisping ahead of UFC 304
Tom Aspinall has been labeled as a "new breed" of heavyweight MMA fighter, as the Mancunian appears to have the full package. His impressive size is accompanied by an immensely well-rounded skillset, as well as blistering speed and athleticism not often seen at heavyweight.
Many expect Aspinall to reign over the division for many years to come, so fellow countryman Michael Bisping recently paid him a compliment of the highest order.
While previewing the 31-year-old's interim title defense against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 on 27 July, Bisping likened him to all-time great Georges St-Pierre. The Canadian too is one of the most well-rounded fighters in MMA history, and 'The Count' believes Aspinall is the newfound version of 'GSP', only bigger.
The former middleweight champion appeared in front of a packed Manchester crowd for a recent fan Q&A, where he said this about the interim heavyweight champion:
"I will say this. Tom Aspinall is like a heavyweight version of Georges St-Pierre. He's unbelievable, he's gonna go a long way. He's gonna have an incredible career. Curtis Blaydes though, is big, strong, he hits hard, he's a tough wrestler. It's gonna be an incredible fight."
Watch Michael Bisping's praise for Tom Aspinall below (12:40):
UFC 304 will see the world's best heavyweight crowned, says Tom Aspinall
Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes will clash in a highly anticipated matchup in the co-main event of UFC 304.
They will clash for the interim title, which the 31-year-old won after knocking out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. The heavyweight duo replaced Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, with 'Bones' set to defend his undisputed heavyweight title.
But Jones suffered a torn pectoral muscle several weeks before fight night and was ruled out of the event.
With 'Bones' having only fought once since 2020, his inactivity has led many fans to view Aspinall as the rightful heavyweight champion and not Jones. Ahead of the Mancunian's interim title fight, he shared his thoughts on the world's best heavyweight, saying this:
"This fight is for the [title of] number one heavyweight in the world... The real people, the real fans, the real guys know this fight defines who's the best heavyweight in the world. Jon Jones and Stipe are doing their thing, they've got a title, fair play... This is the number one guy in the world fight."
Watch Tom Aspinall's interview below (5:55):