The High Performance Podcast

Why Fear Is Not a Weakness: UFC Champion Tom Aspinall

27 snips
Nov 19, 2025
Tom Aspinall, an elite UFC heavyweight and a voice of authenticity, tackles the often-ignored subject of fear in fighting. He candidly shares that all fighters feel fear, especially as stakes rise, and emphasizes the importance of accepting this emotion. Tom reveals his strategies for transforming fear into focused energy and discusses the pivotal role his father's unwavering belief played in his journey. With insights on commitment and the transformative power of just showing up, he inspires others to harness their inner battles.
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INSIGHT

Embrace Fear As Performance Fuel

  • Tom Aspinall openly acknowledges fear and says he embraces and enjoys it rather than pretending it's absent.
  • He reframes fear as a source of energy that signals peak sharpness when stakes are highest.
INSIGHT

Fear Grows With Success

  • The higher you rise the more fear grows because more is at stake, so fear doesn't vanish with success.
  • Recognise fear scales with responsibility and must be managed, not suppressed.
ADVICE

Use Adrenaline As Readiness

  • Turn adrenaline into advantage by telling yourself you are at your sharpest in that moment.
  • Use the body's arousal as readiness rather than as a threat to performance.
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