TOM ASPINALL will be the O2 Arena's top man for Saturday night. However, mixed martial arts has not always been easy for UFC's latest heavyweight prospect.
The Wigan warrior, who spars with Curtis Blaydes at heavyweight, was actually so poor during his early career that he considered quitting MMA.
Brit Tom Aspinall is flying high in UFC
Aspinall has defeated his five octagon rivals in record time
The journey of Team Kaobon's star to MMA's top promotion was not an easy one
Aspinall had PS20 when he was starting out on the UK circuit
According to Aspinall, "MMA in the UK, particularly as a heavyweight, is almost impossible to make a living out of. I was broke and needed to support my family.
"Some days, I would only have literally 20 dollars [to my name]"
Aspinall's financial problems were largely due to inactivity - often caused by opponents running at the last moment.
He recalled, "Being a heavyweight MMA fight in the UK can be very difficult. Because of the constant pulling out of opponents, I didn't have a fight in over two years.
"There aren't many active heavyweights so it's hard to get fights. People want to keep their records. It was difficult.
Aspinall often had to rely on Andy, his dotting dad - who introduced him to martial arts and a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu black for money.
He said, "There were times when I wanted to give up on the sport and do other things." I didn't have any money.
"Sometimes, I had to borrow money from my dad to put fuel in my car so that I could go to the gym."
Andy was adamant about his son's ability to borrow money to help him pursue his dreams.
He stated that he and his mother sat down with him and lent him money. There was much arguing and crying.
"[And we said to him] 'Please give it a try and see how you get out. '"
Aspinall and his family are grateful for five wins and four PS36,000 bonus points.
However, spending money on unnecessary purchases is something the once-skinny man-mountain refuses fall into.
He stated that he received four PS50,000 bonus in the UFC, and now he has a great contract. My last fight was a decent and fair amount of money.
"Some people make a lot of money and then they act like a complete c**k."
Aspinall's work inside the Octagon has provided financial security for his family
Alexander Volkov was defeated by the Wigan fighter at UFC London, March
Aspinall faces the toughest challenge of his career against Curtis Blaydes this weekend
"If you're an idiot it's going show everyone how stupid you are when money is available. It won't really change your life if you are normal.
Aspinall credits his current position, which is only one fight away to a title eliminator, to his support from his family and his unwavering self-belief.
He stated, "In tough times, that is when you really need to believe in your self. This dream was possible because I went above and beyond to achieve it.
"If I had more money, I wouldn’t do half of what I did." Because I was afraid and desperate.
"But sometimes, you just need it to push yourself to new heights.
"I know what it is like to literally have no money. I'm familiar with both ends of the spectrum.
"There were many times when I was scared. Fear, fear makes us really sharp. Fear can make you do things you wouldn't normally be able to do.
Aspinall now has financial security for his family and can focus on his craft in preparation for inevitable clashes against the heavyweight division's elite.
He stated that he would have the UFC belt around his waist "at some point in the next 10 years."
