Tom Aspinall reflects on coaching Muhammad Mokaev in BJJ and now competing at UFC 304 together

Tom Aspinall will share the UFC 304 card, set for 27 July, with one of his former Brazilian jiu-jitsu students in Muhammad Mokaev. The surging flyweight contender is eight years younger than Aspinall, and was once under the tutelege of the interim heavyweight champion.

After moving to England from Dagestan in 2012, aged 12, Mokaev joined the Manchester Wrestling Club. He became a English Nationals freestyle wrestling gold medalist.

He also began training in BJJ, and found himself at Andy Aspinall's gym, Aspinall BJJ. According to Mokaev, his first ever coach at the gym was none other than the current interim heavyweight champion.

Aspinall appeared in front of the media ahead of his title clash with Curtis Blaydes, where he reflected on sharing a card with his former student. He said:

"Did [Mokaev] tell you that? Because I used to teach the kids class, and he would come to the kids class. I've known Muhammad since he was like 11 or 12 years old. Since he first came to this country really... Since before he was even fighting really he was special, a special guy. I believe he's definitely going to be a champion in the flyweight division."

Watch Tom Aspinall's interview below (16:10):

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Tom Aspinall says his clash with Curtis Blaydes will crown the world's best heavyweight

Jon Jones is the current undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, and he was expected to defend the title at UFC 295 against Stipe Miocic. But several weeks before the bout, 'Bones' suffered a torn pectoral muscle that forced him to withdraw.

Tom Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich replaced the duo and went to war for the interim heavyweight title, with Aspinall securing victory via KO in Round 1.

But Jones' inactivity has led to many dubbing the Mancunian the 'true' heavyweight champion. Ahead of Aspinall's UFC 304 clash with Curtis Blaydes, he shared his thoughts on the significance on the bout, saying:

"I'm still gonna be an interim champion if I win this Saturday. But let's make no mistake, this fight is for the [title of] number one heavyweight in the world... The real people, the real fans, the real guys know this fight defines who's the best heavyweight in the world. Jon Jones and Stipe are doing their thing, they've got a title, fair play. Whatever. This is the number one guy in the world fight."

Watch Tom Aspinall's interview below (5:55):