UFC London: Tom Aspinall leads ‘golden generation’

The UFC is back in the UK for the first time in three years and the MMA promotion has a new star topping the bill — English heavyweight Tom Aspinall.

Aspinall, 28, headlines for the first time on Saturday night against Russian Alexander Volkov, with English trio Paddy Pimblett, Arnold Allen and Molly McCann also in action.

The Manchester native has garnered a massive reputation in his short tenure in the UFC — with four fights and four stoppages — and is not just considered a star in waiting, but also a champion in the making.

The UK's first UFC champion Michael Bisping is just one many experts to predict UFC gold in Aspinall's future, but Aspinall is trying to keep his focus on a tough opponent.

«This is heavyweight MMA. This is the craziest division in the craziest sport in the world,» Aspinall told BBC Sport.

«I expect myself to show that I'm levels above the rest of the division.

»But I'm nervous," he added. «It's scary. But the nerves and the fear, I feel like it makes me do stuff I couldn't without the nerves and fear.»

Scotland's Paul Craig — who fights Ukrainian Nikita Krylov on Saturday — joined Bisping in his praise of Aspinall and expects a special event at the O2 Arena.

«I genuinely think it'll be a clean sweep for the Brits. This card will be remembered,» Craig said.

«It's definitely a golden generation in the UK.»

Now retired and promoting a documentary about his legendary rise to MMA prominence, Bisping has spent much of the week singing the praises of Aspinall.

Craig has already predicted Aspinall will be heavyweight champion by the end of 2023.

The UK is yet to produce a heavyweight contender in the UFC. Before the pandemic, London events made a habit of producing big stars and Bisping is confident Aspinall can