UFC fighter Tom Aspinall has witnessed a lot of action inside the octagon.
However, his time working as a bouncer to support his training also exposed him to considerable violence outside of the fighting arena.
One particular event remains vividly in the Wigan fighter`s memory.
During an interview on Michael Bisping`s “Believe You Me” podcast, he shared: “I used to work the door at a very upscale bar.
“Things got heated, and people started fighting inside. We rushed in, and as we did, we saw a guy biting another guy’s nose off.”
Aspinall was understandably shocked by this gruesome act of violence.
What happened immediately after the attacker ripped off the other bar patron`s nose truly astonished the interim UFC heavyweight champion.
Aspinall recounted: “He was going to spit it out, but his friend told him, ‘Don’t spit it out.
“`Because they’ll be able to reattach it.` So, then the guy swallowed his nose.”
Fortunately for Aspinall, biting is prohibited in the octagon, as it was one of the original rules established at the UFC`s first event in November 1993.
Aspinall, 31, is currently preparing for the most significant fight of his career – a heavyweight title unification match against MMA legend Jon Jones.
The date for this major event is still pending confirmation, although UFC CEO and President Dana White recently stated that the fight is “done”.
He mentioned to TNT Sports: “It’s going to happen. It’s agreed upon, but not completely finalized.
“Not finalized enough to announce it right now and give you a specific date.
“But the fight will definitely happen. It’s just a matter of getting the contracts signed.”
“If we can finalize this and officially announce the fight and start the promotion.
“This will be the biggest heavyweight fight in UFC history.”
Aspinall hinted at an upcoming fight announcement last week after meeting with UFC Chief Business Officer, Hunter Campbell.
He shared a photo with his father Andy and Campbell on his Instagram and X accounts, accompanied by the caption: “Stay tuned.”
