Tom Aspinall Makes Long-Awaited UFC Return—But Has One Big Question Mark Still Remaining

"I'll know it will be attacked, and I'm fully prepared for it."

Welcome to The Weekly Takedown, Sports Illustrated’s in-depth look at MMA. Every week, this column offers insight and information on the most noteworthy stories in the fight world.

Last summer, Tom Aspinall was the rising star of the UFC’s heavyweight division.

One leg kick later, it is unknown if Aspinall will ever be the same fighter.

After grueling and grinding to become relevant in the UFC, all Aspinall’s momentum came crashing down in just 15 seconds in to his bout one year ago against Curtis Blaydes. Aspinall hit Blaydes with a leg kick, but he suffered the damage by tearing his MCL, parts of his meniscus, and causing issues with his ACL.

A year later, Aspinall returns to the same site of his injury -- the O2 Arena in London -- seeking redemption. He headlines the card against Marcin Tybura, who will undoubtedly be targeting Aspinall’s right knee.

“One of the biggest disadvantages to my injury was everyone saw it,” says Aspinall (12-3). “So I'll know it will be attacked, and I'm fully prepared for it.

“Who isn't going to target my knee? Tybura's going to kick me in the knee. If the shoe was on the other foot, I'd do the exact same thing.”

Only 30, Aspinall has a long future in front of him in the cage. Of course, there is one caveat to that: he needs two working knees. But if Aspinall is healthy, there is every reason to believe he will be a factor in the title picture.

Aspinall is a uniquely distinct heavyweight. He possesses finishing ability from every position, including top and bottom, and ferocious knockout power.

“I'm not even close to my prime,” says Aspinall. “A few more years, then I'll be there. This injury was very deflating. I just want to get my name back in the mix. I've waited long enough.”

Tybura (24-7) is supposed to play the role of the Washington Generals in this bout. The only problem with that script is that he may not be clued in to that plot line.

Winner of seven of his last eight, this is Tybura’s opportunity to elevate himself into contention. At 37, those chances will be exceedingly rare without a victory here.

“I've trained for Tybura like I've never trained for anyone before,” says Aspinall. “I took extremely seriously, and I'm not looking past him.”

ONE Championship will feature four fight cards in the United States in 2024

ONE Championship is returning to the United States.

Following their successful debut in America this past May, ONE will hold four live events in the US next year. The dates have yet to be announced, but all will air on Prime Video.

This is a sign that ONE is serious about making a lasting imprint in North America, which was certainly strengthened by a strong showing at ONE Fight Night 10 this spring. Seizing that moment will be difficult, especially considering the UFC’s stronghold on the industry, but ONE has a deep roster with a variety of world-class martial artists.

While a card like this likely won’t occur in 2024, ONE is running a card l this fall that is headlined by four women’s bouts. That is ONE Fight Night 14, which takes place on September 29, and comes two years after ONE: Empower, their first all-women’s event.

The card for ONE Fight Night 14 features Stamp Fairtex vs. Ham Seo Hee for the interim women’s atomweight title, Smilla Sundell vs. Jackie Buntan in a women’s strawweight Muay Thai title bout, Danielle Kelly vs. Jessa Khan in the inaugural women’s atomweight grappling title, and Xiong Jing Nan vs. Wondergirl in a special rules striking bout with four-ounce MMA gloves and a scoring system that will mirror the ONE Kickboxing/Muay Thai 10-point must system.

It will be fascinating to see if a card like this could also draw interest in the US. That is the power of ONE -- there is so much talent spread across their roster. Time will tell if new stars will be created in America.

Justin Barrasso can be reached at JBarrasso@gmail.com. Follow him on Twitter@JustinBarrasso.