Dana White Rejects Tom Aspinall’s UFC Friend-Fight Claim
Dana White has expressed strong disapproval of Tom Aspinall’s recent comments regarding a potential fight against his friend Ante Delija. Aspinall, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, indicated that he would rather vacate his title than face Delija in the octagon. This statement sparked controversy ahead of Aspinall’s title defense on Saturday at UFC 321.
UFC 321: Aspinall’s Title Defense
This Saturday, Aspinall will defend the undisputed heavyweight title for the first time. He earned this title after being promoted from interim champion earlier this year. His ascent followed the retirement of Jon Jones, who relinquished the championship belt.
Aspinall vs. Gane: Fight Preview
Aspinall is set to compete against French fighter Ciryl Gane in Abu Dhabi. A victory for Aspinall could lead to a future matchup with Delija, who debuted in the UFC in September and quickly climbed into the heavyweight top 10 after defeating Marcin Tybura by knockout.
- Fight Details:
- Event: UFC 321
- Location: Abu Dhabi
- Competitors: Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane
- Aspinall’s Background:
- Age: 32
- Title: Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion
- Last Fight: Defeated Curtis Blaydes in July 2024
- Delija’s Background:
- Age: 35
- UFC Debut: September 2023
- Last Fight: Knockout win over Marcin Tybura
White’s Reaction to Aspinall’s Claims
White did not hold back in his criticism of Aspinall’s stance. He stated, “I hate that,” commenting on the idea of not fighting a friend. White emphasized that competition in sports often transcends personal relationships, stating that friends and family have frequently faced each other in the UFC.
Additionally, White acknowledged Aspinall’s autonomy in making personal decisions but expressed that considering vacating a title over friendship was “absolutely insane.”
The Road Ahead for Aspinall
Aspinall’s future in the heavyweight division remains bright. He aims to enhance his legacy with further title defenses before potentially vacating the title for Delija when the time is right. As he prepares for Gane, fans are eager to see if he can maintain his championship status.
