TOM ASPINALL makes his long-awaited Octagon return next weekend.
And the Wigan warrior looks set to enter the UFC cage with a brand-spanking-new physique.
Aspinall, 32, will make the first defence of his heavyweight title next Saturday night in the main event of UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi – which will be available to watch LIVE on TNT Sports Box Office.
His maiden defence will come against long-time rival Ciryl Gane, who will be hoping to win UFC gold at the third time of asking.
Aspinall hasn’t graced the cage since his 60-second demolition of long-time contender Curtis Blaydes in Manchester last July.
And he’s seemingly set to boast a new-and-improved frame for his comeback.
Earlier this month, the Atherton assassin shared a post-training snap of himself looking visibly lean on Instagram.
And his abdominal muscles were even poking through a thinner layer of body fat.
Aspinall’s post quickly became the talk of MMA fans, one of whom said of his frame: “Those abs making faces.”
Another said: “Baddest man in the world by far.”
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How to watch UFC 321
The UFC makes its annual visit to Abu Dhabi on October 25 for yet another blockbuster pay-per-view card.
UFC 321 will take place at the state-of-the-art Etihad Arena, which has been the promotion’s home in the UAE since January 2021.
Topping the bill is the eagerly anticipated Octagon return of heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, who has been on the sidelines for the last 14 MONTHS.
The 32-year-old will make his first defence of the 265lbs title, which he was awarded following Jon Jones’ retirement, against long-time rival Ciryl Gane.
UFC gold will also be on the line in the co-main event of the evening, which will see Brazilians Mackenzie Dern and Virna Jandiroba vie for the vacant strawweight title.
UFC 321 is jam-packed with entertaining fights from top to bottom.
And MMA fans in the UK and Ireland can watch all the action from the Etihad LIVE on TNT Sports Box Office.
The UFC’s 11th pay-per-view card of the year will be available to purchase for a mere £19.99.
UFC 321 will also be available to buy on Discovery+, EE TV, Prime Video, Virgin Media TV and Sky Sports.
And fight fans don’t need to subscribe to TNT Sports to buy the star-studded event.
Watch UFC 321: Aspinall v Gane watch exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office from 7pm on Saturday, 25th October.
For more info visit: tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice
And another said: “Tom Aspinall is looking dialled in.”
One remarked: “If he were just a few pounds lighter, he’d have the frame to dominate two weight classes.”
Another chimed in: “Tom is a f***ing unit.”
Aspinall’s 14-month lay-off was the direct result of UFC legend Jon Jones.
The Hall of Famer initially agreed to a heavyweight title unification bout against his former interim counterpart.
But the former pound-for-pound king walked away from the bout and a record payday in June by announcing a short-lived retirement.
Jones, 37, has retired from the sport after holding the division hostage for nearly two years and Aspinall has vowed to get it moving again as quickly as possible.
After his elevation from interim to undisputed champion, he said: “I am going to keep this thing as active as possible.
“I want to be the best heavyweight to ever walk the face of the Earth.
“I’m gonna defend this thing as many times as I possibly can and I’m gonna keep you guys entertained.
“I’m going to give back to everybody who has shown me support over the last year, over the last five years and over the last ten years.
“We’re gonna see an active defending UFC heavyweight undisputed champion going forward.”
