UFC 304: Tom Aspinall retains interim heavyweight belt with first-minute knockout victory in Manchester

Tom Aspinall retained his UFC interim heavyweight belt by knocking out Curtis Blaydes in less than a minute at UFC 304 in Manchester. The result means that Aspinall has avenged the only loss in his UFC career, after Blaydes was credited with a victory after Aspinall's freak knee injury at UFC London in July 2022. After the victory, Aspinall took to the microphone to call out champion Jon Jones.

Tom Aspinall defeated Curtis Blaydes in style to retain his UFC interim heavyweight belt at UFC 304 in Manchester on Sunday morning.

The result avenges the previous meeting between the pair in July 2022, where a freak injury to Aspinall's knee 15 seconds into the fight rendered him unable to continue and handed him the only loss on his UFC record.

But after a statement first-round knockout, the Atherton heavyweight left no doubts about whom the better man was inside the octagon.

UFC

'It's happening' - Aspinall reveals White conversation over Jones title fight

14/12/2024 at 17:31

The finish marks Aspinall's third successive first round knockout, with all three taking less than 90 seconds.

As soon as the fight started both men looked eager to chase a performance bonus and take their opponent out early but, despite Blaydes landing some blows, it was a right hand from Aspinall that sat the American down and a series of follow-up shots on the ground that ended the fight.

And after the fight, the 31-year-old was quick to pay respect to his opponent, saying: "First of all, I just want to say massive congratulations to Curtis, what a human being he is. I needed to put that one to bed, before was a freak accident, I've put that to rest.

'I just think I'm better than you' - Aspinall challenges Jones after UFC 304 title defence

Video credit: TNT Sports

"I'm the best finisher in the UFC. If I smell blood, that's it, you're done."

The interim champion also took his opportunity on the microphone to call out current heavyweight champion Jon Jones, who hasn't fought since winning the belt in March 2023 due to a pectoral injury.

He added: "I've just spoken to the boss man, who wants to see Jon Jones v Tom Aspinall?"

"Hello Jon, I have nothing against you personally, but I just think I'm better than you. I know I can beat you in a fight, so I'm coming for it."

Jones is expected to face former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic later in this year and prior to UFC 304 in Manchester, UFC president Dana White confirmed that the winner of Aspinall vs Blaydes will face either Jones or Miocic in their next fight.

The local man also paid tribute to the thousands of British fans in attendance at the co-op arena in Manchester or watching on home, thanking them for their support and urging them to chase their dreams.

"To everyone in the nosebleeds and watching on the TV, I'm a normal guy, from a normal family from a normal area. Sometimes, normal people can do extraordinary things. No holding back, just go for it," said Aspinall.

- - -

discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer.

UFC

'Cristiano always talks' - Topuria takes aim at Ronaldo over UFC 308 comments

10/12/2024 at 13:56

UFC

'About time we start giving him props' - Should Pantoja be higher on P4P list?

10/12/2024 at 11:06