FACT: Tom Aspinall fought only 4 top 10 ranked fighters in the heavyweight division. And only 2 were ranked in the top 5. Define “cleaned out the division
The rise of Tom Aspinall has been nothing short of meteoric in the UFC heavyweight division. Known for his speed, precision, and grappling prowess, Aspinall has quickly established himself as a fan favorite and a legitimate contender. However, claims that he has “cleaned out the division” deserve a closer examination. Let’s break down the facts and assess his track record against top-tier competition.
Aspinall’s Record Against Top 10 Fighters
To date, Aspinall has faced 4 opponents ranked in the top 10 of the heavyweight division. Among these, only 2 were ranked in the top 5 at the time of their fights. While this is an impressive feat for a rising contender, it’s far from what is typically required to claim someone has “cleaned out” a division.
For context, fighters like Jon Jones, Khabib Nurmagomedov, or Anderson Silva—legends often associated with cleaning out their divisions—faced and defeated nearly every top-ranked opponent available during their reigns. Aspinall’s current record, while promising, does not yet reach this level of dominance.
What Does “Cleaned Out the Division” Mean?
In MMA, “cleaning out the division” implies decisively beating the majority of top-ranked fighters in a weight class. It’s not just about winning consistently; it’s about leaving little to no doubt that the fighter is the best in their division. For example, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s undefeated run in lightweight saw him dismantle elite opponents like Dustin Poirier, Conor McGregor, and Justin Gaethje. Similarly, Anderson Silva dominated the middleweight division for years, defeating top contenders across multiple generations.
In contrast, Aspinall has yet to face several key names in the heavyweight division, including perennial contenders like Ciryl Gane, Curtis Blaydes, and reigning champion Jon Jones. Without wins against these fighters, the claim that he has “cleaned out the division” appears premature.
A Promising Trajectory
It’s essential to recognize that Aspinall’s career is still unfolding. His dynamic skill set, which includes excellent striking and submission capabilities, positions him as a future title contender. His victories over ranked opponents, including a decisive win against Alexander Volkov, demonstrate his ability to compete with the best. However, there is still significant ground to cover before Aspinall can be considered the definitive force in the heavyweight division.
The Road Ahead
For Aspinall to truly “clean out” the heavyweight division, he would need to secure victories against the remaining top contenders and possibly defend a championship belt multiple times. Fighters like Ciryl Gane, Tai Tuivasa, and Sergei Pavlovich represent potential challenges that could solidify his legacy. A matchup with Jon Jones, should it materialize, would also be pivotal in cementing his status as the best in the division.
Conclusion
While Tom Aspinall has undoubtedly made waves in the heavyweight division, the claim that he has “cleaned out the division” doesn’t hold up under scrutiny. Aspinall’s achievements are commendable, but there is still work to be done before he can join the ranks of fighters who have truly dominated their divisions. As his career progresses, he has the tools and talent to achieve this milestone. Until then, the conversation should focus on his potential rather than overstating his current accomplishments.
