Tom Aspinall accepts fight offer from top 10 UFC heavyweight live on Ariel Helwani’s show - "I’ll f**king be there"

Tom Aspinall's torn MCL and meniscus, suffered at UFC Fight Night 208, have kept him sidelined since July 2022. The No.6-ranked heavyweight, who is nearing his return to the octagon, may have figured out his next opponent.

During his recent appearance on The MMA Hour, Aspinall was informed by host Ariel Helwani that No.10-ranked heavyweight Marcin Tybura shared his interest in a potential fight.

He responded:

"Oh well, that's great because I'm actually ranked a lot higher than him. I'll take it. We'll give the gentleman's handshake. We don't even need contracts, bro, I'll turn up. No worries."

Aspinall added:

"I ain't that type of guy who agrees to stuff that doesn't want to do it. Let's not be jumping on The MMA Hour accepting fights if we're not really accepting the fight. If we're accepting the fight, we'll do a handshake right here. Let me know the day, I'll f**king be there. Otherwise, let's not talk about it. I'm not into the kids games. I'm nearly 30 years old. I've got three children."

Check out Tom Aspinall's comments on facing Marcin Tybura below:

Tom Aspinall noted that while Marcin Tybura is lower in the heavyweight rankings, a bout in Poland could be intriguing due to his Polish heritage. While the No.6-ranked heavyweight lost his last bout in the 15 seconds of the first round, it was due to an injury.

Aspinall had been on an eight-fight win streak prior to the injury and could likely face a higher-ranked heavyweight in his return bout. It remains to be seen if he will be able to return to the level he was at prior to getting injured.

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Tom Aspinall's torn MCL and meniscus: Heavyweight contender gives update on return from injury

Tom Aspinall has not fought in nearly seven months since tearing his MCL and meniscus. Speaking with Ariel Helwani of The MMA Hour, the No.6-ranked heavyweight shared when he is looking to get back in the octagon, stating:

"The summertime sounds good. Basically, I'm ready to go. I'm ready to go, man. Anytime they want. I could accept a fight right now, definitely. We're going to chat with the UFC a little bit this weekend when I'm going to be there and we're going to have a few meetings and see who's available and who wants it more importantly."

Check out Tom Aspinall's comments on his return below (starting at the 4:54 mark):

Aspinall had previously shared that he was hoping to return at UFC 286 as he had headlined the last two UFC cards in the United Kingdom. While that is now out of the question, the No.6-ranked heavyweight is now targeting a return over the summer.