Tom Aspinall leaves UFC after current contract and focuses on boxing career for financial gain

Tom Aspinall is at a crossroads in his fighting career as he defends his undisputed UFC heavyweight title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi this weekend. Behind the scenes, however, his father and former coach Andy Aspinall has made clear his preference for a different direction: boxing.

In recent interviews, the 62-year-old coach has publicly stated that he does not want his son to sign a new contract with the UFC once his current contract expires. Instead, he’s advocating for a high-profile boxing transition that could deliver substantially bigger paydays.

Tom Aspinall’s father is advising against a new UFC contract and pushing his son towards boxing transition

​Tom currently has three fights remaining on his existing UFC contract. After these three fights, Andy sees an opportunity for his son to follow what he believes is a more lucrative path. Speak with RMC Sports FightAndy explained his reasoning straight away: “Boxing for sure. The money is more money. He has three fights left on the contract, and I don’t personally want to sign a new contract.”

Andy’s advocacy for boxing is rooted in documented financial differences between the two sports. The contrast between MMA and boxing revenues has become impossible to ignore after several high-profile crossovers. Former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou earned approximately $600,000 in his last UFC title defense against Ciryl Gane at UFC 270. His subsequent boxing debut against Tyson Fury in 2023 earned him around $10 million, more than sixteen times his UFC championship payday. After that fight, Ngannou reportedly earned $20 million for his fight against Anthony Joshua.

Tom himself has previously acknowledged that there is a money gap between the sports. In a previous appearance on The Diary of a CEO, he revealed that his first professional MMA fight earned him just £200, while his first UFC fights earned him appearance money and win bonuses totaling $20,000 to $24,000 per bout. At 32 years old, Tom represents exactly the type of fighter that Andy believes should take advantage of boxing’s opportunities during his remaining prime years.

Currently, Tom’s position differs from his father’s preference. When asked directly about his father’s advocacy in boxing, Tom indicated that while he recognizes the financial appeal, his immediate focus remains on his UFC heavyweight title. “Maybe, but it’s not something I think about much,” he said talkSPORT in October 2025. “I’m not looking too far ahead. Maybe one day I will if I perform well and dominate my division. I have some boxing experience, but I’m not at a world-class level, so I’m not focusing on it right now.”

Recently elevated to undisputed heavyweight champion Jon JonesAfter retiring in June 2025, Tom appears determined to first establish his legacy within the UFC. The fighter has historically emphasized that he wants to clean up the heavyweight division and cement his status before considering other ventures. Andy’s intervention suggests tension between father and son over career trajectory, with Andy viewing the window for maximum boxing earnings as finite.

Tom’s first title defense against Gane, this weekend at UFC 321, represents a pivotal moment. A dominant performance could strengthen his negotiating position with the UFC, potentially securing better terms that could convince him to stay. Conversely, a lengthy, competitive fight could accelerate discussions about his post-UFC future, which Andy has already initiated.