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Brett Okamoto, ESPN Workers Author
Formally, Tom Aspinall is the UFC’s interim heavyweight champion. Unofficially, he is in all probability the most effective heavyweight on this planet — and perhaps the division’s hardest hitter.
Aspinall (15-3) defended his interim championship in emphatic vogue at UFC 304 on Saturday, as he knocked out Curtis Blaydes (18-5) with a left hand and punches on the bottom only one minute into their heavyweight title struggle. The bout served because the co-main occasion, inside Co-op Stay area in Manchester.
Instantly after the win, Aspinall known as out the undisputed champion Jon Jones, who’s extensively thought-about the best fighter of all time and is predicted to face Stipe Miocic later this 12 months.
“I am the most effective finisher within the UFC, if I begin to snowball you, you are accomplished,” Aspinall stated. “Who needs to see Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones?”
Jones, 37, has not beforehand proven curiosity within the thought of preventing Aspinall. Jones was set to face Miocic final November in New York Metropolis, however withdrew on account of damage.
Aspinall, of Salford, England, knocked Blaydes down with a counter jab. The shot did not put Blaydes out, nevertheless it knocked him to his butt and he rapidly turtled and lined up from Aspinall’s follow-up pictures. Aspinall landed a collection of unanswered strikes to the facet of his head, prompting a cease from the referee.
The victory avenges Aspinall’s solely loss within the UFC, which got here in opposition to Blaydes in July 2022 in London. That struggle led to simply 15 seconds, when Aspinall’s knee gave out as he threw a kick. Aspinall underwent surgical procedure and returned one 12 months later. He has completed three consecutive opponents within the first spherical since returning.
“I had nothing in opposition to [Blaydes] personally, however we wanted to place that one to mattress,” Aspinall stated. “It was a freak accident. Now, I’ve acquired my revenge. Thank God.”
Blaydes appeared composed and assured within the struggle, however nonetheless turned the newest sufferer of Aspinall’s velocity and ending capacity. He landed a very good, quick left cross within the first trade, however acquired caught by the jab when he got here ahead moments later. That is the fifth time Blaydes has misplaced by way of knockout.
Previous to UFC 304, CEO Dana White stated the winner of Aspinall-Blaydes would finally face the winner of Jones-Miocic, nonetheless the way forward for each Jones and Miocic is unsure. Jones has fought solely as soon as in 4 years. Miocic, 42, hasn’t fought in additional than three years.
