Retired MMA fighter and current commentator Michael Bisping has pointed out that Tom Aspinall has an advantage over Sergei Pavlovich in their upcoming fight using octagon space. Alternatively, Bisping said the Russian can also use this to defeat the English opponent.
Bisping’s recent comment highlights his persistent support for his fellow countryman, saying his belief is not a matter of patriotism but based on his observation of Aspinall’s performance and power.
“It’s not because Tom’s from our neck of the woods, it’s not because he’s English, it’s not because we’re mates. It’s because of his body of work, his results in the octagon, the way he’s steamrolled everybody, gone right through them.”
This follows his earlier comment about Aspinall being capable of beating Pavlovich easily. According to the former fighter, the fighter could even beat Jon Jones in the future if given a chance.
“I believe he [Aspinall] makes it look relatively easy [against Pavlovich],” Bisping told TNT Sports. “…I think the skill set that he has, has got all the ingredients to get him the win here. …I think he beats Jon Jones if that comes up… and he will retire as the greatest heavyweight champion that the UFC has ever seen.”
According to Bisping, Aspinall can take down Pavlovich through his movement in the cage. “It’s all down to the footwork,” the commentator said. “Tom is loose, and he’s dancing around, and he’s using all the space in the octagon. It’s huge. Tom needs to use all of that space, but if Sergei can cut him off and make it small, back him up against the fence that’s the key to victory for Sergei.”
Pavlovich and Aspinall will face each other for an interim heavyweight championship battle at UFC 295. The bout was pushed after Jones withdrew from his heavyweight title fight against former champion Stipe Miocic due to a torn pectoral muscle. Currently, support is pouring in for the Briton, but Pavlovich is determined to win the bout, stating earlier this week that it is not an interim but the actual title for him.
