Tom Aspinall defends interim title, and knocks out Blaydes in UFC 304

Tom Aspinall (15-3) defended his interim heavyweight title in a stunning manner in the ring at UFC 304 on Saturday, when he knocked away Curtis Blaydes (18-5) with a left hand and punches to the ground less than a minute into their main event at Manchester, England.

By Brett Okamoto

July 28, 2024 at 04:34 AM

In official terms, Tom Aspinall is the interim heavyweight champion. Informally, he’s the best heavyweight in world, and perhaps the toughest hitter in the division.

Aspinall (15-3) was able to defend his interim title in a ferocious manner during UFC 304 on Saturday, when he knocked off the Curtis Blaydes (18-5) by punches and a left hand to the floor only one minute into their heavyweight title match. The bout served as the main event in the The Co-op Live Arena in Manchester.

Following the win, Aspinall called out the undisputed champion Jon Jones, who is considered to be the best ever fighter. Jones is scheduled to take on Miocic in the coming months.

“I’m the top performer of the UFC If I begin with you and then snowball, I’m finished,” Aspinall said. “Who wants to watch Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones?”

Jones 37, hasn’t previously expressed interest in taking on Aspinall. Jones was scheduled to take on Miocic the month of November at New York City, but was forced to withdraw due to an injury.

Aspinall from Salford, England, knocked Blaydes down by a counter-punch. The shot didn’t knock Blaydes out but it did knock him down to the ground and he quickly retreated and covered his face with Aspinall’s retaliatory shots. Aspinall hit a string of unanswered hits on the sides of his head, triggering an immediate stop by the referee.

The win is avenging Aspinall’s one losing loss at the UFC fight, which took place with Blaydes on July 20, 2022, in London. That fight took just 15 seconds when Aspinall’s knee began to ache as Aspinall kicked. Aspinall was treated for surgery and returned within a year. Aspinall has defeated three consecutive times during the opening round of play since his return.

“I did not have anything against Blaydes personally however, we had to put this one behind us,” Aspinall said. “It was an accident that happened out of nowhere. And now, I’ve had my retribution. Thank God for that.”

Blaydes seemed calm and confident throughout the match, but was the latest victim of Aspinall’s speed and ability to finish. He landed a decent, quick left cross in the opening exchange, but was snatched by the jab when he moved forward just a moment after. It’s the 5th time Blaydes has been knocked out in the past five fights.

prior to UFC 304, CEO Dana White declared that aspinall-Blaydes’ winner will eventually take on Miocic-Jones however, the future of Jones along with Miocic is unclear. Jones has fought only once in the last four years. Miocic 42 hasn’t fought for more than three years.