Tom Aspinall: The UFC Doesn't Want You To Know This! Jon Jones Wasn't Living Like An Athlete! from The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett

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Tom Aspinall: The UFC Doesn't Want You To Know This! Jon Jones Wasn't Living Like An Athlete!

2 hour 13 minutes Posted Jun 26, 2025 at 5:00 am.

Intro

Did You See This Coming?

What Was Your Reaction When You Found Out Jon Jones Was Retiring?

Did You Want to Fight Jon?

Was Jon's Decision a Strategic Dodge?

Do You Take It as a Compliment?

Would You Fight Jon If He Came Back?

What's Changed Overnight?

Who's the Contender Now?

When Will You Fight Next?

What Was Your Family's Reaction?

If Jon Is Watching, What Would You Say?

The Dream to Become a Heavyweight Champion

Where Does Tom Aspinall Come From?

Where Did Your Inspiration Come From?

What Kept You Going?

Why Did Your Mum Never Come to an MMA Fight?

What Advice Would You Give to Young People?

I'm Scared to Fight Anybody

I've Always Been Fearful to Fight

Overcoming the Fear

Working on Your Mental Strength

Tom's Process of Writing Things Down

Very Few Make Money Fighting

Tom Aspinall's Career Progression and Fighting Style

When Do You Start Making Good Money?

Sergei Pavlovich Fight

It Takes Years to Become an Overnight Success

Having Kids at 23 and Not Being Able to Support Them

Your Rock Bottom Moment

Tom's Family

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My Knee Problems Helped My Career Massively

Surrounded by Toxic People

How Did You Feel After the Injury?

Did It Knock Your Confidence?

Jon Jones

There's No Contract Signed

Tom's Fighting Secrets

The Health Routine to Get Into Elite Shape

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Why Do You Do Hypnotherapy?

Your Journey With Anxiety

Your Son's Health

Having an Autistic Child

The Importance of an Autism Diagnosis

The UFC Heavyweight Champion Belt

How Did You Feel Winning the Heavyweight Championship?

Retiring Early to Avoid Cognitive Issues

Why Are You Special?

How I Prepare Mentally on Fight Day

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Show notes

BREAKING: Dana White announces Jon Jones retirement…but UFC Heavyweight star Tom Aspinall still wants a title fight. He reveals the truth about Jon Jones’ retirement, and breaks down the champion mindset, fear, and mental toughness required for UFC title fights.

Tom Aspinall is the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion, a top-ranked professional mixed martial artist, and the first British heavyweight in history to claim a UFC title. He was set to face UFC legend Jon Jones until Jones announced his retirement in June 2025, automatically elevating Aspinall from interim to undisputed champion.

Tom explains:

The mental trick he uses to control fear before stepping into the cage.

Why so many young men feel lost, and how MMA gave him purpose.

The harsh reality of life as a UFC fighter behind the scenes.

How embracing pain, pressure, and adversity made him a champion.

Follow Tom:

Instagram - https://bit.ly/4kbCZGh

YouTube - https://bit.ly/4lhLwbO

Get your hands on the Diary Of A CEO Conversation Cards here: https://bit.ly/conversationcards-mp