By Gary Symons
TLL Editor in Chief
UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is entering the fashion arena with a new opponent: mediocrity in athletic wear.
Champion, the sportswear brand known for inventing the hoodie, has unveiled a new partnership with Tom Aspinall that delivers a one-two punch of performance and style.
Aspinall is a British MMA star who currently competes in the heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is the reigning interim heavyweight champion.
As of 15 April 2025, he is #11 in the UFC men’s ‘pound-for-pound’ rankings. Aspinall is known for his finishing ability, having finished six of his eight UFC wins by the halfway point of the first round, and holds the UFC record for shortest average fight time at two minutes and two seconds.
Aspinall now brings his knockout talents to a partnership with Champion, which has launched a debut capsule collection titled HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION.
Developed in close collaboration with the British MMA star, the capsule blends Champion’s century-long sportswear legacy with the insights of a modern-day warrior. The result is a range of performance-minded garments featuring heavyweight fabrics, functional tailoring, and lifestyle silhouettes, including an updated take on Champion’s iconic Reverse Weave hoodie.
“I’m thrilled to be partnering with Champion,” said Aspinall. “We’re not just creating gear—we’re making apparel that works for fighters and inspires the next generation. This is the year of the true undisputed champion.”
Aspinall’s influence goes far beyond the ring. The HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION collection features the timestamp “00.02.02,” a nod to the average length of his lightning-fast fights; a testament to his efficient, aggressive style.
Lorenzo Moretti, President of Champion EMEA, said the brand saw in Aspinall a rare combination of athletic dominance and personal integrity. “His values, professionalism, and ability to inspire those around him perfectly reflect what Champion stands for,” said Moretti. “Together, we’re shaping the future of combat apparel.”
And the bell hasn’t rung yet. Later this year, Champion and Team Aspinall are expected to launch a new line of performance training apparel and equipment, further reinforcing Champion’s growing presence in the combat sports world.
The HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION collection is available now at Championstore.com.
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