Tom Aspinall punched his ticket to a future showdown with Jon Jones after smoking Curtis Blaydes with a first-round TKO (punches) last night (Sat., July 27, 2024) at UFC 304 live on ESPN+ PPV from inside Co-op Live in Manchester, England.
The English star was making his first defense of his interim UFC heavyweight title and did it in his own backyard. It was a huge co-main event spot and a chance to earn a shot at the winner of Jones vs. Stipe Miocic. Aspinall took full advantage of the opportunity and delivered another finish inside of the Octagon.
Both heavyweights landed some good shots in the opening moments of the first round, but it was clear that Aspinall was quicker on the feet. The interim champion eventually caught Blaydes off balance and stuck him with a stiff jab. “Razor” fell to the canvas and it allowed Aspinall to pounce on top for immediate ground-and-pound. Blaydes tried to move to defend, but Aspinall was too fast and powerful. The referee eventually stepped in for the one-minute stoppage.
Check out the final moments below (including Aspinall calling out Jones after his win):
TOM ASPINALL KNOCKS OUT CURTIS BLAYDES INSIDE ONE #UFC304 pic.twitter.com/9X9CBXPa0k
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) July 28, 2024
Tom has a message for Jon Jones #UFC304 | @AspinallMMA pic.twitter.com/rFJE5fIfn1
— UFC (@ufc) July 28, 2024
Aspinall, 31, now moves to 8-1 in his UFC career with all wins coming by way of knockout or submission. The English heavyweight has never looked better and after this 60-second finish over Blaydes it wouldn’t be surprising to see UFC leapfrog Miocic and book Jones vs. Aspinall right away.
For complete UFC 304 results, coverage, and highlights, click HERE.