Daniel Cormier: Tom Aspinall Needs UFC for Top Fights

Daniel Cormier has stated that Tom Aspinall understands his most lucrative opportunities are within the UFC.

Recent friction has emerged between the heavyweight champion and UFC management following an incident where Aspinall sustained eye pokes to both eyes during his title defense against Ciryl Gane. Following the bout, Aspinall expressed dissatisfaction with comments made by UFC CEO Dana White. While Aspinall felt White implied he had the option to continue fighting after the pokes, White maintained his intention was not to cause distress to his champion.

Aspinall has entered into a talent agency agreement with Matchroom, headed by Eddie Hearn, a prominent rival of Dana White in the boxing world. Amidst these rising tensions, Aspinall's team has indicated his readiness for a title unification bout with Gane, who has since secured interim gold.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Cormier conveyed his hope for Aspinall's swift return to the Octagon. The UFC Hall of Famer emphasized that the UFC is the ideal platform for Aspinall's career.

"If Tom Aspinall were to go out into the open market, he might be able to secure one massive payday, perhaps against Francis Ngannou," Cormier explained. "But what comes after that? The only logical place for him is the UFC. So, all this back-and-forth, the disagreements – I understand it. It's business, but ultimately, he needs to be there. It simply won't work otherwise. To his credit, Tom Aspinall has finally spoken on it, stating he is not leaving the UFC.' ... I believe that acknowledgment should have come sooner. It also suggests to me that Tom recognizes this is where he needs to fight to achieve his major financial goals."

Gane secured a second-round TKO victory over Alex Pereira at UFC Fight Night 250, reclaiming the interim heavyweight title for the second time in his career. While "Bon Gamin" has not yet claimed the undisputed championship, he is eager for a rematch with Aspinall to achieve that goal.