Tom Aspinall responds to Chael Sonnen’s promo criticism: ‘I am more than pleased being myself’

Tom Aspinall responds to Chael Sonnen’s promo criticism: ‘I am more than pleased being myself’

Chael Sonnen is a fan of Tom Aspinall however needs the No. 6 ranked UFC heavyweight contender to cease underselling and begin selling himself.

Sonnen spoke about Aspinall on his Past the Battle podcast, saying he considers the 29-year-old to be a ‘particular expertise’ and the way forward for the heavyweight division. Nonetheless, the analyst took challenge together with his method to getting fights as a result of it lacks the factor of self-promotion. Given his personal expertise with self-promotion all through his skilled profession, Sonnen defined why it’s detrimental for Aspinall to stay measured in his pursuit of a possible championship alternative.

“He comes out and does an interview — I am unable to bear in mind what was stated, I used to be disgusted, I ended up shutting the web page — speaking about, ‘Who would not need to see Francis Ngannou field? Ngannou’s only a nice boxer,” stated Sonnen. “It went on from there, put another individuals over. He is a professional fan. I do perceive that in all equity and he does come off as a really candy man. That is true. Tom truly is coming off like a very nice man, I have to inform the opposite aspect of the coin.

“I am unable to put him again in a primary occasion,” continued Sonnen. “I am unable to put him in a title shot. I am unable to put him in something that he says he does not belong in. No one can.”

Aspinall has addressed his method earlier than, telling Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour that he prefers to combat — not discuss — his method into rivalry.

“I by no means thought that I used to be going to be speaking a few title after 5 UFC fights, six UFC fights,” stated Aspinall. “I really feel like I’ve bought extra work to do. I’ve bought much more work to do, extra proving. I do not need to be one in every of these individuals who will get right here by speaking. That is not me.”

Judging by his response to Sonnen, it seems as if he isn’t altering that.

“I am more than pleased being myself thanks and never promoting myself out and performing like a [clown] for views and cash,” wrote Aspinall on Instagram Tales. “I’m not a WWE entertainer I am one of many best heavyweights to stroll on this [Earth] and it will likely be proven in my physique of labor from my UFC debut till I retire in 10 years. I needn’t discuss s—t. Glad to be myself.”

Aspinall emerged as a contender after 5 consecutive wins within the UFC. He just lately submitted Alexander Volkov through first-round armbar at UFC London this previous March.

The Englishman returns to London for his second headliner this yr. Aspinall shares the Octagon with Curtis Blaydes in his subsequent look.