Interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has revealed that his son is autistic and expressed the need for increased public funding and support for autistic children. Known for keeping his private life mostly out of the spotlight, Aspinall’s recent disclosure highlights his efforts to raise awareness and improve resources for families affected by autism.

In a candid video posted on his social media, Aspinall spoke about his desire to champion more charitable initiatives focused on autism. While chatting with a friend at a pub, he said:

“I want to get more into charity stuff. I want to do some more stuff for autism because my son is autistic…It’s difficult. I want to get a funding thing where you can put stuff in public places that cater to autistic people, because I know what it’s like to be in a public place with an autistic kid. it can be hard. I want to get more funding for that. But setting up a charity is not easy.”

This message underlines Aspinall’s commitment to improving public environments and increasing awareness to make everyday experiences easier for autistic individuals and their families.

Tom Aspinall’s Future Fighting Plans After Uncertain Jon Jones Bout

While Aspinall focuses on advocacy outside the Octagon, he is also eager to resume his fighting career after months of uncertainty surrounding a potential title unification match against Jon Jones. The much-anticipated fight has seen prolonged negotiations but remains unresolved, causing frustration among fans and the fighter himself.

Speaking on Paddy Pimblett’s YouTube channel, Aspinall acknowledged the stalled talks and his readiness to move forward with his career, stating:

“It’s all in the past now. We’re moving forward. Everything’s good. We can get fighting again. I just want to get fighting, mate…You know what, it’s better now because I do know what’s going on, a little bit. I’m going to fight soon, so that’s nice.”

He further shared his passion for the sport, emphasizing that external rewards are secondary to his love for fighting:

“Money, fame, titles, rankings — all that aside, I just love fighting. I just like fighting people. That’s what I got into it for. I didn’t get into it for anything else. All the other stuff are just nice to have on top. I wanna be the best fighter I can be. I love it. I’m in the gym everyday. I just want to fight. That’s been taken away from me for like, nearly a year now. And that’s got nothing to do with me…But we are nearly over it now, which is good.”

These remarks highlight Aspinall’s determination to return to competition and his perseverance despite challenges outside his control.

The Wider Impact of Aspinall’s Advocacy and Career Outlook

Tom Aspinall’s openness about his son’s autism sheds light on the importance of public support systems for autistic children. His call for better funding to create autism-friendly public spaces reflects an urgent need felt by many families navigating similar challenges. As a high-profile athlete, Aspinall’s advocacy has the potential to raise awareness and inspire increased charitable involvement in this area.

Meanwhile, as the heavyweight champion shifts focus toward his own fighting prospects, fans can expect his return to the Octagon soon, bringing renewed energy to the UFC heavyweight division. Aspinall’s combined efforts in both his personal advocacy and professional pursuits demonstrate a strong commitment to making a difference both inside and outside the ring.