Tag: Curtis Blaydes

‘No Reason Why Anyone Should Consider Jones The Champ’ – MMA Fighters & Fans React After Tom Aspinall Notches Up Another Impressive First Round Finish At UFC 304

Tom Aspinall successfully defended his UFC interim heavyweight title in the co-main event of UFC 304 by stopping Curtis Blaydes in the first round. As fans have come to expect from the Brit, he closed the show early on after dropping Blaydes and getting the TKO finish in the opening minute. The challenger was able […]

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Tom Aspinall successfully defended his UFC interim heavyweight title in the co-main event of UFC 304 by stopping Curtis Blaydes in the first round.

As fans have come to expect from the Brit, he closed the show early on after dropping Blaydes and getting the TKO finish in the opening minute.

The challenger was able to have some success early on with his strikes but Aspinall only needed to pull off one well-timed entry to find the shot he was looking for.

Aspinall, and the UFC commentary team, called for the title unification fight with Jon Jones who is expected to return later this year against Stipe Miocic.

MMA World Reacts To Tom Aspinall’s Successful Homecoming In Manchester

MMA fighters and fans reacted on social media as Aspinall finished yet another opponent without needing to go to a second round.

Many, as expected, want to see him stand across the cage from “Bones” as was the case before this fight.

Read also: UFC 304: Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad 2 Live Results & Highlights

Continue Reading ‘No Reason Why Anyone Should Consider Jones The Champ’ – MMA Fighters & Fans React After Tom Aspinall Notches Up Another Impressive First Round Finish At UFC 304 at MMA News.

Tom Aspinall stops Curtis Blaydes with lightning fast first round KO win – UFC 304 Highlights

Tom Aspinall stops Curtis Blaydes with lightning fast first round KO win - UFC 304 HighlightsAvenging his sole Octagon loss tonight in the co-main event of UFC 304, interim heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall makes…

Tom Aspinall stops Curtis Blaydes with lightning fast first round KO win - UFC 304 Highlights

Avenging his sole Octagon loss tonight in the co-main event of UFC 304, interim heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall makes lightwork of perennial contender, Curtis Blaydes in their title rematch — stopping the Illinois native with a first round TKO win via ground strikes in Manchester.

Aspinall, the current interim heavyweight titleholder, won his spoils back in November of last year at Madison Square Garden, running through Russian contender, Sergei Pavlovich with another dominant opening round knockout win in New York.

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And drawing heavyweight staple, Blaydes tonight after suffering a debilitating knee injury — resulting in a TKO loss to the former two years ago, Tom Aspinall became the first fighter since Renan Barao to successfully retain an interim crown.

Laying waste to Blaydes inside just a single minute in tonight’s co-headliner at UFC 304, Atherton native, Aspinall winged in with a looping straight shot — felling Blaydes to his back on the canvas, before swarming and leaping on the former, forcing him to belly out and landing a TKO victory.

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And in the immediate aftermath of his one-sided stoppage win, Aspinall once more called for a title unification pairing against fellow heavyweight gold holder, Jon Jones — who is expected to take on Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 309 later this year.

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Below, catch the highlights from Tom Aspinall’s knockout win over Curtis Blaydes

Winner Of Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes At UFC 304 Touted To Be Long-Reigning Heavyweight Champion: ‘He Kind Of Cruises A Little Bit’

Daniel Cormier and Anthony Smith recently shared their belief that the victor of the Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 is destined to dominate the heavyweight division for years to come. Aspinall is set to run it back with Blaydes to defend his UFC interim heavyweight championship in the co-headliner of the upcoming […]

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Daniel Cormier and Anthony Smith recently shared their belief that the victor of the Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 is destined to dominate the heavyweight division for years to come.

Aspinall is set to run it back with Blaydes to defend his UFC interim heavyweight championship in the co-headliner of the upcoming pay-per-view event, scheduled for this Saturday at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, United Kingdom.

The two fighters previously crossed paths two years ago in the main event of UFC Fight Night London in July 2022. In that bout, “Razor” emerged victorious with a 15-second TKO after the Brit sustained an unfortunate knee injury.

Aspinall had hoped to unify his belt after knocking out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 with heavyweight champion Jon Jones. However, realizing that a bout with “Bones” is unlikely due to Jones’s determination to face Stipe Miocic next, potentially the last fight of both their careers, Aspinall chose to pivot. Embracing the situation, he decided to defend his interim title instead.

According to Cormier and Smith, the upcoming rematch between Aspinall and Blaydes is set to determine the future kingpin of the heavyweight division…

Cormier Declares Aspinall vs Blaydes Interim Title Fight As True Championship Bout

During a recent video on the ESPN MMA YouTube channel, Cormier and Smith delved into the upcoming rematch between Aspinall and Blaydes. “DC” emphasized that the exceptional skill levels and challenging styles of both fighters make this bout the one that will ultimately reveal the true heavyweight champion.

“There’s a lot of confidence in Tom Aspinall as he holds the interim championship, which I believe is the actual heavyweight championship of the world,” Cormier said. “Because I think he’ll be more active than Jon Jones or Stipe Miocic.”

“Lionheart” echoed Cormier’s sentiment, suggesting that with Jones and Miocic nearing the end of their careers, Aspinall and Blaydes are poised to take over and dominate the heavyweight division for the foreseeable future.

“I totally agree, and I think that the fact that these guys are fighting now almost solidifies a long title run in my mind,” Smith said. “I think these two guys are the hardest matchups for each other. They’re both big, they’re both physical, both crazy athletic for their size, and both of them can wrestle… I think Curtis beats Aspinall, he kind of cruises for a little bit, and if Aspinall beats Curtis, he absolutely cruises for a little bit.”

During the pre-fight press conference on Thursday, UFC CEO Dana White said that the winner of the Aspinall vs. Blaydes bout will go on to challenge the winner of the Jones vs. Miocic showdown, which is rumored to take place in November.

Continue Reading Winner Of Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes At UFC 304 Touted To Be Long-Reigning Heavyweight Champion: ‘He Kind Of Cruises A Little Bit’ at MMA News.

UFC 304 Results & Highlights: Belal Muhammad Decisions Leon Edwards

UFC 304 took place tonight from the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, and MMA News has you covered with all the results and highlights!  In the main event, Leon Edwards put his welterweight title on the line against Belal Muhammad. While in the co-main event, heavyweight interim champ Tom Aspinall took on Curtis Blaydes.  UFC […]

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UFC 304 took place tonight from the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, and MMA News has you covered with all the results and highlights! 

In the main event, Leon Edwards put his welterweight title on the line against Belal Muhammad. While in the co-main event, heavyweight interim champ Tom Aspinall took on Curtis Blaydes. 

UFC 305 Results: Main Card

  • Welterweight Championship Main Event: Belal Muhammad def. Leon Edwards via unanimous decision (48-47×2, 49-46)
  • Interim Heavyweight Championship Co-Main Event: Tom Aspinall def. Curtis Blaydes via KO: R1, 1.00
  • Lightweight: Paddy Pimblett def. King Green via submission: R1, 3.22  
  • Middleweight: Gregory Rodrigues def. Christian Leroy Duncan via unanimous decision (30-27×3) 
  • Featherweight: Arnold Allen def. Giga Chikadze via unanimous decision (29-28×3)

Preliminary Card

  • Featherweight: Nathaniel Wood def. Daniel Pineda via unanimous decision (29-27×2, 29-28)
  • Women’s Strawweight: Bruna Brasil def. Molly McCann via unanimous decision (30-27×2, 29-28)
  • Bantamweight: Jake Hadley def. Caolán Loughran via unanimous decision (30-27×2, 29-28)
  • Flyweight: Muhammad Mokaev def. Manel Kape via unanimous decision (29-28×2, 30-27)

Early Preliminary Card

  • Welterweight: Oban Elliott def. Preston Parsons via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27×2)
  • Light Heavyweight: Modestas Bukauskas def. Marcin Prachnio via submission: R3, 3.12
  • Welterweight: Sam Patterson def. Kiefer Crosbie via submission: R1, 2.50
  • Heavyweight: Mick Parkin def. ?ukasz Brzeski via TKO: R1, 3.23  
  • Women’s Strawweight: Shauna Bannon def. Alice Ardelean via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 30-27)

Preliminary Card Highlights

Mick Parkin def. ?ukasz Brzeski

Mick Parkin made it four wins in a row in the UFC with a first-round TKO of ?ukasz Brzeski in their heavyweight bout.

Sam Patterson def. Kiefer Crosbie

In this welterweight bout, Sam Patterson submitted Kiefer Crosbie with an arm triangle in the first round.

Modestas Bukauskas def. Marcin Prachnio

Modestas Bukauskas got it done via submission against Marcin Prachnio in the third round of their light heavyweight matchup.

Main Card Highlights

Arnold Allen def. Giga Chikadze

In this featherweight bout, Arnold Allen earned a unanimous decision win against Giga Chikadze.

Gregory Rodrigues def. Christian Leroy

In this middleweight bout, Gregory Rodrigues earned a unanimous decision win against Christian Leroy.

Paddy Pimblett def. King Green

Paddy Pimblett kept his UFC unbeaten streak alive after submitting King Green with a triangle choke in the first round of their lightweight contest.

Tom Aspinall def. Curtis Blaydes

In the co-main event, Tom Aspinall retained his interim heavyweight title with a KO of Curtis Blaydes after just one minute of action.

Belal Muhammad def. Leon Edwards

In the main event, Belal Muhammad clinched the welterweight title with a unanimous decision against Leon Edwards.

Continue Reading UFC 304 Results & Highlights: Belal Muhammad Decisions Leon Edwards at MMA News.

UFC 304 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Edwards vs. Muhammad 2, Aspinall vs. Blaydes 2, Green vs. Pimblett, & More

UFC 304 is almost upon us, and MMA News is here to keep you updated with the current odds for Saturday’s lineup. The upcoming pay-per-view takes place Saturday, July 27, at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England. The main card begins at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT, with the preliminary card starting at 6 […]

Continue Reading UFC 304 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Edwards vs. Muhammad 2, Aspinall vs. Blaydes 2, Green vs. Pimblett, & More at MMA News.

UFC 304 is almost upon us, and MMA News is here to keep you updated with the current odds for Saturday’s lineup.

The upcoming pay-per-view takes place Saturday, July 27, at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England. The main card begins at 10 PM ET/7 PM PT, with the preliminary card starting at 6 PM ET/3 PM PT.

Topping the lineup will be reigning UFC Welterweight Champion Leon Edwards, who is tasked with getting the better of Belal Muhammad at the second time of trying if he’s to successfully defend his title on home soil once again.

Before they go to battle, the co-main event will see another English champ in action as interim heavyweight kingpin Tom Aspinall runs it back with Curtis Blaydes. Their second clash comes two years on from an injury rendering the Brit unable to continue after just 15 seconds at the London-held UFC Fight Night in July 2022.

Also set to make the walk on Saturday night will be the likes of lightweight prospect Paddy Pimblett and his teammate Molly McCann, another home favorite in Arnold Allen, and the undefeated Muhammad Mokaev.

Ahead of the event, you can get some help from the group of experts at MMA News by checking out their predictions for the UFC 304 main card here.

UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2 Betting Odds

Listed below are the latest betting odds for UFC 304 (as of 7/27), courtesy of DraftKings.

Main Card:

  • Leon Edwards (-265) vs. Belal Muhammad (+215)
  • Tom Aspinall (-395) vs. Curtis Blaydes (+310)
  • King Green (-115) vs. Paddy Pimblett (-105)
  • Christian Leroy Duncan (-135) vs. Gregory Rodrigues (+114)
  • Arnold Allen (-238) vs. Giga Chikadze (+195)

Preliminary Card:

  • Nathaniel Wood (-380) vs. Daniel Pineda (+300)
  • Molly McCann (-345) vs. Bruna Brasil (+275)
  • Caolán Loughran (-225) vs. Jake Hadley (+185)
  • Modestas Bukauskas (-155) vs. Marcin Prachnio (+130)

Early Preliminary Card:

  • Oban Elliott (+136) vs. Preston Parsons (-162)
  • Muhammad Mokaev (-185) vs. Manel Kape (+154)
  • Sam Patterson (-440) vs. Kiefer Crosbie (+340)
  • Mick Parkin (-455) vs. ?ukasz Brzeski (+360)
  • Shauna Bannon (-180) vs. Alice Ardelean (+150)

Continue Reading UFC 304 Betting Odds: Current Favorites For Edwards vs. Muhammad 2, Aspinall vs. Blaydes 2, Green vs. Pimblett, & More at MMA News.

Curtis Blaydes opens up about his speech impediment ahead of UFC 304

Curtis Blaydes opens up about his speech impediment ahead of UFC 304Ahead of the biggest fight of his UFC career, Curtis Blaydes opened up about his speech impediment and the…

Curtis Blaydes opens up about his speech impediment ahead of UFC 304

Ahead of the biggest fight of his UFC career, Curtis Blaydes opened up about his speech impediment and the impact it’s had on him.

Razor’ is set to challenge interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall in the UFC 304 co-main event in what will be his first shot at UFC gold since making his promotional debut eight years ago. Ahead of their highly anticipated title tilt at Co-op Live in Manchester, Blaydes looked back on his younger years growing up on the mean streets of Chicago where kids would often make fun of his speech disorder.

“I never really saw myself as like a spokesman for speech impediments, but it was my dad… He also had a speech impediment,” Blaydes said during his UFC 304 media day appearance. “I got it from him. It’s hereditary. It’s not because of CTE. Let’s get that out there. I know I get asked that the most.

“I used to… Whenever people asked for my name, I used to go c…c…c… They’d look at me like, ‘Are you special? Do you not know how to pronounce your own name?’ It used to make me feel some type of way. Now I judge them. Are you that ignorant that you think that me as a grown man, I don’t know how to pronounce my own name? I have a speech impediment. I’ve gotten over it, but it took me a while.

“I was a kid in high school that wouldn’t raise my hand if I knew the answer. I was embarrassed. I didn’t want people to laugh and call that stuff. I just want those people who also have a speech impediment to know that if people are laughing at you, it doesn’t mean anything about you. It means a whole lot more about them and their character.“

At one point, Blaydes had considered a career as a history teacher but refrained from pursuing it, suggesting that the cruelty of kids played a role in his decision.

“Kids are mean. I can’t be in a classroom with them for eight hours,” Aspinall said in a prior interview with the New York Post. “There [are] so many people who just think, if you cannot speak…medically correct, that you’re not intelligent. Contrary to popular belief, a lot of us who have speech impediments are really, really intelligent.”

For what it’s worth, ‘Razor’ is doing pretty good with his chosen career.

Curtis Blaydes

Curtis Blaydes looks to go two-up on Tom Aspinall

Amassing an impressive 13-4 record inside the Octagon, Curtis Blaydes has bested some of the heavyweight division’s heaviest hitters over the years, including former world champions Andrei Arlovski and Junior dos Santos. He’s won four of his last five, earning wins over the likes of Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Chris Daukaus, Jailton Almeida, and his UFC 304 opponent, Tom Aspinall.

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Squaring off at a Fight Night event in London two years ago, Aspinall went down 15 seconds into their scrap due to a devastating knee injury. Aspinall has been chomping at the bit to run it back ever since.

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He’ll finally get his wish on Saturday night when he becomes the first fighter in more than a decade to defend an interim title.