Tom Aspinall successfully defended the UFC interim heavyweight title with a devastating first-round knockout of Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304, paving the way for a potential epic showdown with Jon Jones.
Aspinall stunned Blaydes with a powerful right hand that knocked the challenger to the mat, finishing the fight with a flurry of rights to the head just one minute into the first round – setting the stage for a major heavyweight clash.
The 31-year-old Aspinall has issued a challenge to Jones for a title unification fight. Jones, often considered one of the all-time greats in MMA, has been recovering from a torn pectoral tendon since his last fight in March 2023. Although he is the current heavyweight champion, his absence necessitated the interim championship. Complications remain, including Jones possibly needing to defend his title against Stipe Miocic before returning to competition.
“I’m the best finisher in the UFC; if I start to get the upper hand, you’re finished,” Aspinall declared. “Who wants to see Tom Aspinall take on Jon Jones?” he asked a roaring crowd in Manchester, marking UFC’s first visit to the city since 2016. Aspinall (15-3) then directly addressed the camera, challenging Jones. “I just think I’m better than you,” Aspinall stated confidently. “I know I can beat you in the octagon.”
This victory served as redemption for Aspinall, whose sole previous UFC loss came against Blaydes. That setback occurred in 2022 when Aspinall was forced to withdraw just 15 seconds into the fight due to a knee injury sustained while attempting a kick. Since returning, he has finished all three of his opponents in the first round.
“I had no issues with [Blaydes] personally, but it was important to put that loss behind me,” Aspinall remarked. “It was an unfortunate incident. Now, I’ve avenged it. Thank goodness.”
In another highlight of the Manchester event, Belal Muhammad captured the welterweight title with a unanimous decision victory over champion Leon Edwards after five rounds. Muhammad, hailing from Illinois, enjoyed defeating the Englishman in his own territory. “Looks like all the booing fans have tears in their eyes,” Muhammad quipped. “We’ve got a true champion in Chicago now.”
With a bloodied face, Muhammad (24-3) knelt in gratitude after remaining unbeaten in his 11th consecutive fight, proudly donning the championship belt. He has not suffered a defeat since 2019. Edwards (22-4), who won the title from Kamaru Usman in 2022, had successfully defended it twice prior.
All four competitors in the title fights sported the new gold gloves introduced at UFC 302, aimed at reducing eye pokes.
To accommodate the traditional 10 PM pay-per-view start time for the American east coast audience, the official start time for the main card in Manchester was set for 3:33 AM.
