Tom Aspinall is getting screwed by the UFC — but his own management might be the bigger problem

First of all, this is by no means trying to defend UFC or to slight Tom in any way. Tom is one of the most talented heavyweights we've ever seen. The UFC is clearly stringing him along and has been for a long time now and Tom's team has allowed it to happen. They had Tom step in short notice when Stipe/Jones was cancelled the first time. Then they had him step in as the backup for when Stipe/Jones actually fought. All of these favors thinking that somehow you're going to be in the UFC's good graces just because. Tom is apparently managed by Colin Heron from Team Kaobon. The guy is a coach and is known for training fighters, and not negotiating with Dana/Hunter, playing hardball with media leverage or leverage with a stable of fighters. The guy has zero track record managing champions at an elite level and no major names on his client list, and most importantly, no fucking institutional clout to force the UFC's hands. You don't think people can force the UFC's hands? Ali is a weasel, but the guy has managed to get ALL of his guys what they wanted. Even when Khabib was getting passed over for title shots, they kept the pressure on and got it done. Islam had to do a shit ton as well to get his chance in the spotlight, and it happened. Same with Umar. Look at how Tim Simpson has managed the careers of Jiri, JDM, Leon Edwards. Look at even a team like KOReps and how they're managing careers of Kevin Holland, Merab, and even getting Moicano a short notice title fight. Instead, this guy Colin Heron (who the fook is dat guy?) somehow got Tom stuck behind TWO aging heavyweights (Stipe/Jon) and has had his client in limbo for almost a year now. Yes, Dana is scum, but Tom really needs to fire his team to reset negotiations with the UFC. Can't have the same people talking to Dana and Hunter over and over again. His team has done him absolutely dirty. Where the fuck are they in the media? All you see is Tomfending for himself. How the fuck do you let your client get embarrassed over and over again by telling him "Oh the UFC is getting back to us by the end of today" and letting him go out there in public repeating it, and getting embarrased. What an absolute shit show. submitted by /u/InclusivePhitness [link] [comments]