During episode #2063 of The Joe Rogan Experience last year, Joe Rogan and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson discussed Tom Aspinall’s rise in the UFC heavyweight division. Rogan highlighted Aspinall’s unique combination of size and speed as the key factor that has allowed the English fighter to dominate.
Aspinall is not only a heavyweight with significant power, but he also possesses remarkable agility and quickness. Rogan explained that this rare speed has been ingrained in Aspinall’s training from a young age, setting him apart from other fighters in his category.
“You watch Sergei and go, ‘I don’t know.’ I knew Aspinall was gonna have a speed advantage, cause he’s faster than any heavyweight, and that’s something that his coach drilled into him when he was young. Like, ‘Be fast. You gotta be fast. That’s what’s gonna separate you from everybody else.’ Speed. And he’s a giant dude. 260 plus pounds, but he moves like a fast, young guy. Like a light guy. And he’s also just so well-rounded.”
—Joe Rogan, UFC Commentator
Rogan’s assessment underscores how Aspinall’s fast footwork and striking precision have brought him a near-perfect record in the UFC. His only setback was a TKO loss early in his UFC London fight against Curtis Blaydes due to an injury.
Aspinall later avenged that loss with a knockout victory over Blaydes in under a minute at UFC 304, successfully defending his interim heavyweight title, which has since become the undisputed championship following Jon Jones‘ retirement.
Joe Rogan’s Surprising Discovery About Aspinall’s Earlier Defeat
On the March 22, 2025 episode of the JRE Fight Companion, Rogan joined a panel including Eddie Bravo, Brendan Schaub, and Gordon Ryan to discuss various fighters, leading to a reveal about Tom Aspinall’s past record.
Rogan admitted surprise when he learned that Aspinall had suffered a submission loss early in his career against Stuart Austin at BAMMA 21, a fact he was previously unaware of given Aspinall’s rising profile.
“Aspinall? When was that? I thought he was undefeated. No kidding. Was it an amateur fight or was it a pro fight?”
—Joe Rogan, UFC Commentator
This moment showed an unusual gap in Rogan’s extensive knowledge of top fighters, reflecting how quickly Aspinall has emerged as a major contender in the heavyweight class.
The Lasting Impact of Aspinall’s Speed Advantage in UFC
Tom Aspinall’s blend of impressive size and rapid movement continues to redefine expectations in the heavyweight division. His speed, combined with well-rounded skills, makes him a uniquely challenging opponent.
As he holds the undisputed heavyweight title after UFC 304 and Jon Jones’ retirement, Aspinall’s speed advantage and athleticism are expected to keep him at the top of the division, forcing other fighters to adapt or risk falling behind.
His rise also reflects broader changes in heavyweight MMA, where agility and quickness have become as vital as strength. Fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Aspinall maintains this edge as he faces new challengers in the future.