New York, NY – A short-notice bout could end up being an advantage for a fighter who takes the shot. UFC heavyweight Tom Aspinall sees it as a blessing coming into UFC 295 against Sergei Pavlovich for the interim title.
“Usually, with like a 10-week fight camp, it’s like just a massive build up,” Aspinall told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“I didn’t train. I didn’t have my visa. I was just scrambling around like last minute. Before you know it they just throw me into New York. I’m here. Don’t even have time to think about the fight. I think it’s working to my advantage so far.”
While Aspinall wasn’t expecting to face Pavlovich so soon he understands that at heavyweight anything can happen.
“I think it’s heavyweight MMA. You’ve got to see what happens. He’s a very, very dangerous guy, as am I. I’m just focused on going in there and enjoying it. This is my absolute dream fight in Madison Square Garden. Heavyweight title. Everything is coming together,” he said.
“And I’m just going to go out there and do my thing and enjoy it.”
Aspinall is considered the underdog against Pavlovich and he loves it.
“I like that. I like it a lot to be honest. I’m fighting the scariest guy in MMA in my opinion in the worst circumstances possible without a training camp, but I obviously think I can win. I ain’t signing a contract to showing up if I don’t think I’m going to win,” said Aspinall.
“I truly, truly, believe that I can win on Saturday night and I’m going to win. I’m an absolute winner and I find a way to win no matter what the circumstances.”
There’s no doubt in Aspinall’s mind that he will walk out of MSG with a belt.
“The odds are definitely stacked against me and it’ll be even better when I win the title on Saturday night.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Tom Aspinall above. He takes on Sergei Pavlovich for the interim heavyweight title on Saturday night.
