Ultimate victory
From career-threatening knee injury to UFC World Heavyweight Champion.
Tom Aspinall’s story is one of inspiration, determination and innovation in the battle to reclaim his Life Unlimited.
Destined for greatness
Competing at the highest level of mixed martial arts has pretty much been the plan since Tom Aspinall was able to walk. Born in Manchester in 1993, Tom was inspired by his father to begin martial arts training at the age of seven; later training in catch wrestling, boxing and jiu-jitsu (including British Open Brazilian jiu-jitsu titles in all classes except black belt).
Tom made the transition to MMA after his father became the jiu-jitsu instructor for Team Kaobon, with an unbeaten amateur career building up to his UFC debut in 2020.
The rise of a contender
It was a special moment when Tom entered the ring. Despite his first four fights being held during the pandemic with no crowd, Tom’s knockout performances showed that England had rising contender in the heavyweight division.
Headline act
In a packed arena in March 2022, Tom successfully defeated Alexander Volkov to close in on a UFC title. Riding on a wave of enthusiasm for UFC in the UK, it set the scene for a title showdown.
Injury lands a massive blow
After a quick turnaround of just four months, summertime in London was the setting for Tom’s encounter with Curtis ‘Razor’ Blaydes. Knowing that their fighting styles were a bad match, Tom wanted to get his opponent’s respect straight away….but just moments into the fight, knee injury struck.
The lowest point
For big athletes, it can be as simple as stepping backward awkwardly and something pops in the knee. Tom described it as mentally tough and the lowest point in his career, given he was watched by more than 20,000 home fans who wanted to see him win.
He knew he never wanted to be injured on the floor in front of thousands of people ever again.
The leading surgeon
Knowing that surgery was needed, the UFC recommended Mr Andy Williams as one of the best knee surgeons in the UK with extensive experience treating many high-profile athletes. After their first meeting, Mr Williams knew Tom was determined to make a return to the highest level of performance.
The repair process
With Mr Williams now in his corner, Tom had the reassurance of a leading surgeon with an established track record of success…but the process of repairing Tom’s knee had only just begun.
Smith+Nephew is not responsible for the selection of any treatment by a healthcare professional to be used on a particular patient. Not everyone is a candidate for Smith+Nephew products.
Ahead of schedule
Tom was told it would be a year before he could fight again, but his obsession with recovery put him way ahead of schedule. He was to become a champion, so his drive to return after a long injury made him bigger and better than ever.
The fightback begins
When Tom made his return, he was a different athlete compared to when he last stepped in the Octagon. After a year in recovery, he now faced the ultimate test.
Not everyone who receives a Smith+Nephew product or treatment will experience the same or similar results. Individual results will vary.
Claiming the ultimate victory
After witnessing the astounding recovery of Tom Aspinall and his inspirational rise to UFC World Champion, nobody was more thrilled than Mr Andy Williams. Retaining his title against Curtis Blaydes was symbolic of Tom's relentless determination and a monumental step in his astonishing career.
Feeling like “a new man”, Tom’s really happy that Smith+Nephew technology was used in his surgery.
Dedicated to athletes’ wellbeing
Tom Aspinall represents the pinnacle of elite performance in an intense, unforgiving sport, but the love of sport – any sport – is for everyone. Like Tom, anyone can suffer an injury that can quickly and unexpectedly take them out of action.
Our aim is to push the boundaries of surgical technology; providing surgeons with solutions to help athletes of all ages, backgrounds and abilities make a triumphant recovery and return to their Life Unlimited after a sporting injury.
Driven by thoughtful innovation
Since its inception, the UFC has adapted and grown to become one of the most successful sporting powerhouses on the planet.
We are driven by a similar aim. Our goal to adapt to patient needs and push the boundaries of surgical technology, and our commitment to innovation, keeps us proudly and thoughtfully ahead of the game.
This all points to helping patients get back to what they love…and living a Life Unlimited..
Who we are
When we suffer a physical injury, it prevents us from doing the things we love. Our aim, and the aim of our technology, is to help take the limits of living and help patients get back to living a Life Unlimited.
Just one reason why we're the UFC preferred sports medicine technology partner.
Restoring the knee - a 30-year legacy of saving the meniscus
Back in the mid-1990s, if someone suffered a meniscal tear it would have probably been removed (in a procedure called meniscectomy). 30 years ago, we recognised that removing the meniscus can have substantial consequences…so we set out to offer a different path and give surgeons the advantage in saving the meniscus.
The information presented is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute and is not a substitute for medical advice. Only your healthcare professional can advise whether any treatments referred to may be suitable for you and your condition, and of the associated risks, benefits and possible outcomes.
FAQ
What is a meniscus?
The meniscus is a c-shaped pad of cartilage that sits in the knee joint and provides a smooth surface on which the shin and thigh bones can glide. Each knee joint has two menisci and they act as a shock absorber. Think of a shock absorber in your car…now imagine what would happen if you took it out.
How would I know if I tore my meniscus?
There are many different types of meniscus tears, and the symptoms for each patient can be different. Often with pain and discomfort, the knee can feel stiff or ‘locked’ when moving or straightening the leg (and particularly when twisting the knee).
How has S+N led the way for more than a quarter of a century?
Removing the meniscus can increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis and the odds of having knee replacement surgery in later life.1,2 We’ve dedicated our legacy to reducing those risks wherever possible with repair technology such as FAST-FIX◊ Meniscal Repair Systems, shown to have a high rate of repair success 10 years after surgery.*3
We understand the value of being a trailblazer; a pioneer; a leader. In the battle of meniscal repair versus meniscectomy, we are the champions of saving the meniscus.
Restoring the knee – Reimagine reconstruction of knee ligaments
Knee ligament injuries can occur suddenly and unexpectedly, usually leaving patients in considerable pain and preventing them from doing the activities they love. Understanding the different types of injury and individual patient needs, we provide surgeons with a comprehensive range of solutions to help repair and reconstruct knee ligaments.
The information obtained via this link is intended for surgeons only.
FAQ
How many ligaments are in the knee?
There are four main ligaments that connect the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia): the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). Ligament injuries can be caused by trauma to the knee, including intense sporting activity.
How would I know if I have a ligament tear?
Ligament injuries usually cause severe pain and rapid swelling, sometimes with a popping sensation in the knee. Patients with a ligament injury often experience a reduced range of movement in their knee and can feel a sense of instability when they put weight on their knee.
How have we helped surgeons Reimagine Reconstruction?
To address the full spectrum of knee ligament injuries, the combination of different surgical approaches and advanced technologies is essential. Our portfolio provides that balance of effective techniques and innovative devices, all developed with leading experts from around the world.
To Reimagine Reconstruction is to do things differently, and with distinct technologies such as our QUADTRAC◊ Quadriceps Tendon Harvest Guide System, that’s exactly what we’ve done.
Find a surgeon who uses our technology
To find out if our knee repair solutions are the right treatment option for you, make an appointment with an orthopaedic surgeon. The surgeon will examine your injury, review your health situation and make a suitable recommendation.
For surgeons, this is the medical education event of 2025
Surgeons might not see a world champion like Tom every day, but they will aim to give every patient a similar experience of recovery and returning to their life Unlimited.
As a leading provider of world-class medical education, we're inviting surgeons to a first-of-its-kind UFC combat sports event they won't want to miss. Join the global live stream for:
Guidance on injury repair in the context of combat sports
The latest information on evolving biologic technologies
Surgical tips and insights from a leading surgeon faculty and industry experts, chaired by Dr Michael Banffy
Sign up below to watch the livestream and get a copy of the recording
Medical Education
No results.
Other solutions for surgeons
If you are a healthcare professional interested in our technologies, please explore below.
Careers at Smith+Nephew
Your best ideas and your most inspired days, will improve a patient’s life. They’ll rise, walk, run; regain their future.
Disclaimers
*In conjunction with ACL repair.
The testimonials of Mr. Tom Aspinall and Mr. Andy Williams represent their individual own opinions, findings, beliefs, and/or experiences. Mr. Aspinal was treated using knee arthroscopic medical products. Not everyone who receives a Smith+Nephew product or treatment will experience the same or similar results; results may vary depending on a number of factors, including each patient’s specific circumstances and condition. Individual results will vary.Smith+Nephew is not responsible for the selection of any treatment by a healthcare professional to be used on a particular patient. Not everyone is a candidate for Smith+Nephew products. It is the responsibility of the treating physician to determine and utilise the appropriate products and techniques according to their own clinical judgment for each of their patients, and to advise of the associated risks, benefits, and possible outcomes. Smith+Nephew makes no representations, warranties, guarantees or assurances as to the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information presented or its contents.
Mr. Aspinall was compensated by Smith+Nephew for this video. Mr. Williams is an Orthopaedic Knee Surgeon at Fortius Clinic, London, and was not compensated by Smith+Nephew.
Products may not be available in all markets because product availability is subject to the regulatory and/or medical practices in individual markets. Please contact your Smith+Nephew representative or distributor if you have questions about the availability of Smith+Nephew products in your area. For detailed product information, including indications for use, contraindications, precautions and warnings, please consult the product’s applicable Instructions for Use (IFU) prior to use.
Citations
1. Papalia R, et al. British Medical Bulletin, 2011:99; 89-106.
2. Pengas, IP, et al. JBJS.2012; 94-B: 1649-54.
3. Wright RW, et al. JBJS. 2023;105:908–914.