Aspinall Defends Interim Title, KOs Blaydes at UFC 304

Officially, Tom Aspinall is the interim heavyweight champion of the UFC. Officially, he’s probably the best heavyweight in the world — and perhaps the hardest hitter in the division.

Aspinall (15-3) made a convincing defense of his interim championship at UFC 304 on Saturday, knocking out Curtis Blaydes (18-5) with a left hand and punches on the ground just one minute into their heavyweight title fight. The bout served as the co-main event at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester.

Immediately following the win, Aspinall challenged undisputed champion Jon Jones, who is widely regarded as the best fighter of all time and is expected to fight Stipe Miocic later this year.

“I’m the best finisher in the UFC, if I’m going to top you, you’re done,” Aspinall said. “Who wants to see Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones?”

Jones, 37, has never previously expressed interest in the idea of ​​fighting Aspinall. Jones was scheduled to face Miocic in New York City last November but pulled out due to injury.

Aspinall, from Salford, England, knocked Blaydes down with a counter jab. The shot didn’t land, but it did hit Blaydes in the butt, and he quickly scrambled away and shielded himself from Aspinall’s follow-up shots. Aspinall landed a series of unanswered punches to the side of his head, prompting a referee stoppage.

The win comes as revenge for Aspinall’s only UFC loss, which came to Blaydes in July 2022 in London. That fight ended in just 15 seconds when Aspinall’s knee buckled while throwing a kick. Aspinall underwent surgery and returned a year later. He has finished three straight first-round opponents since returning.

“I had nothing against (Blaydes) personally, but we had to put that thing behind us,” Aspinall said. “It was a freak accident. Now I’ve got my revenge. Thank God.”

Blaydes looked calm and confident throughout the fight, but was the latest victim of Aspinall’s speed and finishing ability. He landed a good short left cross in the first exchange, but was caught by the jab as he came forward moments later. This is the fifth time Blaydes has lost by knockout.

Before UFC 304, CEO Dana White said the winner of Aspinall-Blaydes would ultimately face the winner of Jones-Miocic, but the futures of both Jones and Miocic are uncertain. Jones has fought just once in four years. Miocic, 42, hasn’t fought in more than three years.