Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Tom Aspinall has emotional reaction to teammate's UFC Paris debut win

Originally posted on MMA Weekly | By Jeff Cain | Last updated Sep 8, 2025 9:24 AM ET

Heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall was in attendance at Accor Arena over the weekend to support teammates on the UFC Paris fight card.

On the preliminary card, Aspinall training partner Ante Delija made his octagon debut against no easy opponent. "Walking Trouble" faced No. 7 ranked and nine-year UFC veteran Marcin Tybura.

Delija scored a first-round knockout win and earned a 'Performance of the Night' bonus. Prior to the bout, Aspinall was sweaty-palms nervous. Following the win, he was overcome with emotion.

When asked why Delija's win meant so much to him, Aspinall responded, "Because it means so much to him. It means so much to him. He's a great guy, an awesome guy. He's been waiting his whole life for that."

"Ante did his thing. He's a dangerous man. I was very emotional watching that. I don't think I've ever been as nervous to watch somebody else fight. That was amazing."

UFC Paris: Imavov vs. Borralho took place on Saturday and was headlined by a middleweight clash between No. 2 ranked Nassourdine Imavov and No. 7 ranked Caio Borralho in a fight that likely determined the middleweight division's top contender. Imavov emerged the victor via unanimous decision, but it was largely a one-sided fight.

Aspinall puts his undisputed heavyweight championship on the line in the UFC 321: Apsinall vs. Gane main event on Oct. 25 at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi against former interim titleholder Ciryl Gane. It will be the 22nd time the fight promotion has held an event in Abu Dhabi.

This article first appeared on MMA Weekly and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: