Tom Aspinall retained the championship, setting up the English fighter for a potential colossal matchup with division great Jon Jones.
Tom Aspinall retained the UFC interim heavyweight championship with a punishing first-round knockout of Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 on Saturday night, setting up the English fighter for a potential colossal matchup with division great Jon Jones.
Aspinall rocked Blaydes with a big right hand that sent the challenger to the canvas before he finished him off with a series of rights to the head that ended the fight at just 1 minute of the first round — and put a blockbuster heavyweight bout into focus.
The 31-year-old Aspinall challenged Jones to a unification bout. Jones, widely regarded as one of the best MMA fighters of all time, has been sidelined by torn pectoral tendon since his last fight in March 2023. His absence forced the need for an interim champion. There are still hiccups — among them, Jones has at least one more title defense on deck, and he must be cleared.
“Who wants to see Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones,” Aspinall told a roaring crowd in Manchester in UFC’s first trip to the city since 2016.
Aspinall (15-3) then looked straight into a camera and called out Jones.
“I just think I’m better than you,” Aspinall said. “I know I can beat you in a fight.”
The top heavyweight may be in doubt.
It’s as clear as can be in the 170-pound division.
Belal Muhammad won the welterweight crown with a five-round unanimous decision victory against champion and Englishmen Leon Edwards.
