At the UFC 304 press conference, Tom Aspinall made sure everyone knew just how pivotal a role Michael Bisping played in his rise to the pinnacle of the sport.
Blessed with incredible fighting spirit, ‘The Count’ never gave up on his goal. Even with one eye, he kept on trucking until he did the impossible—knocking out Luke Rockhold to finally claim the title he’d chased for so long, proving to MMA fighters across the UK that you can achieve anything if you put your mind to it.
Tom Aspinall has always admired Michael Bisping
While today, fans know Aspinall for his lightning hands and awe-inspiring power, exhibited during his interim title win against Sergei Pavlovich—back in his younger years, he was just a kid with a dream, desperate to emulate his hero.
His experience watching Bisping in the Manchester Arena inspired him to go on an incredible journey to MMA superstardom.
And on Saturday night, he defends his belt on home soil, just like the UK’s first champion did before him.
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At the press conference, he told Sporf: “It’s no secret, Bisping is the Godfather of UK MMA, he inspired all of us guys.
“I’m inspired, of course, by Leon [Edwards] and everyone in the UK. But Bisping was the guy. I was at the Manchester Arena watching him when I was 14-years-old. It’s an honour to be fighting in front of you people on Saturday night.”
With an army of 23,500 fans behind him, the 31-year-old can’t wait to make his walk to the cage at the Co-op Live against the only man who’s claimed his scalp in the UFC — Curtis Blaydes.
However, this time, with his knee fully healed, he aims to produce a performance that proves he’s a level above everybody else in the division.
Featured Image Credit: Michael Bisping