Many UFC fighters sport tattoos, and Tom Aspinall is no exception. Inside the octagon, he proudly displays his numerous tattoos. With a 14-3-0 record, Aspinall approaches his tattoos with the same intensity as his fights. His tattoos reflect his tough persona, shaped by his childhood memories of practicing martial arts with his dad in the living room. Now, as a renowned UFC fighter, he represents his country with a straightforward fighting style.
Tom Aspinall’s Intricate Tattoos
While Aspinall’s fighting style is straightforward, his tattoos are anything but simple. Each tattoo on his body carries a special meaning. Let’s explore the significance behind them.
The Story Behind Aspinall’s Back Tattoo
Following a triumphant victory over Alexander Volkov at UFC Fight Night in March 2022, Aspinall decided to get an extensive back tattoo. This new ink, which covers his entire back, resembles the tattoo his opponent Volkov has. When asked by the NY Post if he copied Volkov’s tattoo idea, Aspinall playfully responded, “Maybe I did; maybe I didn’t.” Known as ‘Honey Badger,’ Aspinall aimed to cover his entire body in tattoos, starting with his back.
He chose a manta ray tattoo similar to Volkov’s and had it inked in the UK by Sean Crane. The tattoo, featuring a foo dog or fuu lion in a Siamese style, is a vibrant and detailed design that took nearly 50 hours to complete. Due to his fight camp, Aspinall had to leave the tattoo unfinished, enduring 3 to 6-hour sessions each time.
Other Tattoos on Tom Aspinall’s Body
Aspinall’s left arm immediately catches attention with its half-black ink covering an earlier tribal pattern. Fans noticed this cover-up and discussed it extensively. Aspinall even made a video detailing his back tattoo journey, mentioning how he increased his tattoo sessions from 3 to 6 hours to complete it before his fight camp.
On his right arm, Aspinall sports a coiled snake with intricate designs. His left arm features galaxy stars, an anchor, and a bird. Additionally, he has a Japanese calligraphy tattoo on his right bicep, likely meaning ‘jiu-jitsu.’ His right bicep also showcases bird tattoos and clouds, with a date inscribed in Roman numerals on his right shoulder.
Tom Aspinall’s tattoos are a testament to his dedication and passion, reflecting his journey and persona inside and outside the octagon.