Tom Aspinall MMA training to raise funds for autism charities

The current UK interim heavyweight champion's youngest son, a four-year-old twin, was diagnosed with autism last year, sparking Aspinall's desire to increase support for families grappling with a diagnosis.

Basingstoke will showcase the next Ultra MMA event on Sunday, July 7, inviting novices to train for free and raising more than £2.5m for charity. Those signing up will have the thrilling experience of an eight-week training period leading up to a fight night in front of a massive audience.

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Thr dad-of-three wants to do everything he can to help families desperately waiting on a diagnosis (Image: Supplied)

Money raised will benefit multiple autism charities chosen by the participants.

Aspinall initially attributed his son's developmental delays to the lack of socialisation caused by the Covid lockdown.

Guidance from comedian and autism advocate Paddy McGuinness prompted him to consult specialists. Now the 30-year-old fighter hopes that his personal cause will resonate with others.

Tom Aspinall at Ultra Events (Image: Supplied)

Aspinall said: “I was in denial really. The twins had not really been out of the house and seeing anyone else except for our parents once the pandemic hit. I just thought ‘when the world reopens again it will all be ok.

“Paddy kindly gave me a number for an expert, and we were in the lucky position of having the money to go private. We got a diagnosis quickly and immediately started to get him the help and support he needs. He’s now thriving.

“But not everyone is that fortunate and I really believe that there needs to be more done to help families and to make it easier and quicker for children to be diagnosed.

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Tom wants 100 people to join him in his partnership with Ultra MMA (Image: Supplied)

“Each and every year more and more kids are being diagnosed with autism and I want to shed more light on this condition; raise more awareness as well as do what I can to help those organisations who provide support and care for youngsters with autism. It has such a wide-ranging spectrum that touches families in so many different ways.”

He aims for 100 people to join him in his partnership with Ultra MMA, an organisation he has supported as a fan for three years. Anyone signing up agrees to fundraise a minimum of £50 for an autism charity.

Ultra MMA is set to host over 60 events this year across the UK. Those seeking to step into the ring for a good cause can get information on upcoming events on their website.