Tag: UFC 304

Tom Aspinall Not Focusing On UFC 304 Fight Time: ‘If You Can Fight Really Well At Midnight But You Can’t At 4 AM…’

Tom Aspinall recently stated that he is unfazed by the unconventional fight time set for UFC 304, emphasizing that his training camp included acclimating his body to compete at early hours. Aspinall is gearing up to defend his interim heavyweight title in a rematch against his former rival Curtis Blaydes in the co-main event of […]

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Tom Aspinall recently stated that he is unfazed by the unconventional fight time set for UFC 304, emphasizing that his training camp included acclimating his body to compete at early hours.

Aspinall is gearing up to defend his interim heavyweight title in a rematch against his former rival Curtis Blaydes in the co-main event of the upcoming UFC 304 pay-per-view, scheduled for July 27 at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England.

The event broadcast is set to begin at approximately 11 PM BST (local time), with the scheduling designed mainly to accommodate North American audiences. Consequently, Aspinall will make his walk to the octagon in the early hours of the next morning (July 28 in Manchester).

Despite his prior entreaties and appeals to the UFC brass to adjust the start time for UFC 304, the 31-year-old Salford native’s plea was ultimately denied. Now, Aspinall appears fully dedicated to his preparation, expressing that he is unperturbed by the event’s timing…

Aspinall Says 4 AM Training Sessions Will Aid Performance At UFC 304

During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Aspinall revealed his unique preparation for UFC 304. To condition his body for the early-hour fight, he wakes up at 4 AM every day and incorporates a traditional gypsy method into his training.

“When it gets to about 4 AM, I get my alarm on, I go outside, do a bit shadowboxing in the hay bales,” Aspinall said. “And then I do the old traveler method of dipping your knuckles in petrol for about 20 minutes as the sun’s coming up, and that hardens your knuckles.”

The interim UFC heavyweight champion further added that aside from his morning workout routine to train his body to be alert at 4 AM, he hasn’t been overly concerned with the early start time.

“Look mate, if you can fight really well at 12 o’clock, midnight, but you can’t fight really well at 4 AM, you weren’t that [good] in the first place, in my opinion. There are plenty of times that I’ve traveled across the world and fought in different time zones without even adjusting myself. And now I’ve had a full training camp at home. I’m right there ready to fight, so if that’s an excuse, mate, you’re not that good in the first place.”

Aspinall and Blaydes previously clashed at UFC Fight Night London in July 2022. The fight’s outcome was clouded by a dramatic turn of events, as the Brit endured a TKO defeat caused by an unforeseen knee injury just 15 seconds into the contest.

Aside from that setback, Aspinall boasts seven victories in the Octagon, with notable wins against formidable opponents such as Sergei Pavlovich, Alexander Volkov, and Marcin Tybura.

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Jon Anik Explains Why Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad 1 Is Not Good Indicator Of UFC 304 Rematch: ‘Largely, I Have To Throw Out Most Of The First Fight…’

It has been over three years since Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad first met inside the Octagon, back in March of 2021. As is always the case ahead of a rematch, one of the big questions heading into UFC 304 is how much we can learn from the first time that these two men squared […]

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It has been over three years since Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad first met inside the Octagon, back in March of 2021.

As is always the case ahead of a rematch, one of the big questions heading into UFC 304 is how much we can learn from the first time that these two men squared off.

Edwards will be looking to secure the third defense of his welterweight title in the main event on July 27, which he went on to claim after his fight with Muhammad ended in a no contest.

For Muhammad, who took that fight on short notice and was unable to continue fighting after an eye poke, he then produced five consecutive wins over fellow contenders in order to earn this rematch.

Whilst the fight only lasted just over one round, “Rocky” was on top for the majority – but Jon Anik isn’t putting too much stock on what he has seen from this match-up in the past.

Jon Anik Says That Both Men Have Improved Too Much For Leon Edwards vs Belal Muhammad 1 To Impact The Rematch

In a recent interview with InsideFighting, UFC commentator Jon Anik said that he doesn’t believe you can look too much into how the first fight between Edwards and Muhammad played out when previewing the rematch.

Edwards started uncharacteristically fast on that night at the UFC Apex but as Anik goes on to state, Muhammad didn’t have the same kind of preparation ahead of time.

“It’s hard not to toss it out completely, it was a short notice circumstance really for both athletes but Leon was to face Khamzat Chimaev, one of the three times those individuals were scheduled to have fought and Belal was the guy that stepped up.

“Obviously he did show a lot of heart and toughness when he did have compromising spots in that fight, one of the hardest eye pokes I think to watch back just in terms of seeing the combination of a human being’s physical and emotional pain because Belal was not wrong in thinking that when that opportunity against Leon went away with an eye poke, that it was going to be hard to come by again.

“But, they’re just different athletes at this point in time. So I know they’ve both leveled up, Leon levelling up maybe has been easier for someone like me with a more amateur eye to see but I give him a lot of credit for certainly those two wins over Usman.”

Due to the time elapsed since their initial meeting, Anik came to the conclusion that both men have changed too much for the first fight to have much impact on this high-stakes rematch at UFC 304.

“I’m fascinated to see [the rematch] but largely I have to throw out most of the first fight. Even though Leon had more success, I just think Belal’s a totally different physical animal than he was and I think Leon is 25% better than he was.”

Read also: Curtis Blaydes Making No Changes For Tom Aspinall Fight At UFC 304: ‘I Don’t Adjust For Anyone’

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Paddy Pimblett Lays Down A Challenge For Bobby Green At UFC 304: ‘Let’s See If You’ve Got The Balls…’

UFC lightweight prospect Paddy Pimblett will welcome Bobby Green to enemy territory later this month, and he’s also hoping to welcome him to the ground come fight night. After returning from a lengthy injury layoff last December to add the prominent name of former interim champion Tony Ferguson to his growing résumé, Pimblett is set […]

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UFC lightweight prospect Paddy Pimblett will welcome Bobby Green to enemy territory later this month, and he’s also hoping to welcome him to the ground come fight night.

After returning from a lengthy injury layoff last December to add the prominent name of former interim champion Tony Ferguson to his growing résumé, Pimblett is set to be back on home soil for his first assignment of 2024 on July 27.

Prior to two championship headliners at UFC 304, Pimblett will make the walk inside Manchester’s Co-op Live for his first shot at cracking the rankings at 155 pounds.

The opportunity comes against “King” Green, a veteran contender who is coming off a hard-fought decision victory over Jim Miller on the milestone UFC 300 card this past April.

In the lead-up, “The Baddy” has insisted that Green’s chin has “gone,” leaving him open to knockouts. Despite that, though, the Liverpool native has challenged the 37-year-old Californian in a different realm of the game…

Pimblett Invites Green To Put His Money Where His Mouth Is At UFC 304

During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Pimblett documented the late stages of his UFC 304 fight camp.

And speaking to the camera while at his gym, Next Generation MMA in Liverpool, “The Baddy” made note of some of Green’s past comments regarding a possible submission and laid down a challenge for “King.”

“Bobby makes me laugh. … You was talking about me in 2021, 2022,” Pimblett said. “I also seen a story the other week, him saying, ‘Anyone can knock anyone out with a lucky punch. But Paddy, you’re saying you’re gonna submit me. You can’t submit me!’

“Grapple with me then, lad? Back your word up,” Pimblett continued. “We both know that you can strike, even though you’ve got no power. We both know that I’ll strike with you and that you can get knocked out. Grapple with me! Let’s see if you’ve got the balls to grapple with me after saying I won’t submit you. Come on, let’s see.”

It remains to be seen if Green will respond to Pimblett’s challenge.

But whether on the ground or the feet, “The Baddy” will be looking to thrill his home fans once again, having not competed in the UK since a pair of London triumphs in 2022, both of which came via submission.

Continue Reading Paddy Pimblett Lays Down A Challenge For Bobby Green At UFC 304: ‘Let’s See If You’ve Got The Balls…’ at MMA News.

Daniel Cormier: Tom Aspinall Can Create ‘Fan Uprising’ Against Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic At UFC 304

Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier still sees a way for Tom Aspinall to stake his claim for the next shot at Jon Jones. Aspinall appeared to put himself in line for an inevitable dream showdown with Jones after capturing the interim heavyweight gold at UFC 295 last November. He did so by knocking out […]

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Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier still sees a way for Tom Aspinall to stake his claim for the next shot at Jon Jones.

Aspinall appeared to put himself in line for an inevitable dream showdown with Jones after capturing the interim heavyweight gold at UFC 295 last November. He did so by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich in a matchup that replaced the original title fight between “Bones” and Stipe Miocic.

Despite the need for a unification fight, both Jones and the powers that be have been insistent on the Miocic bout being kept together for the back end of 2024.

The Englishman and a large portion of the MMA community have frequently bemoaned that decision. With minds seemingly made up, Aspinall is focusing his energy elsewhere as he gears up to defend his interim belt in a rematch against Curtis Blaydes on home soil at UFC 304 this month.

But when it comes to pipping Miocic to the post and sharing the Octagon with Jones next, “DC” says hope is not completely lost…

Cormier: Demolition Of Blaydes Could Force UFC Into Jones vs. Aspinall

During a video recently uploaded to his YouTube channel, Cormier gave his latest thoughts on the state of the title picture in the division he formerly ruled over.

While both Jones and the UFC have remained steadfast on rearranging the Miocic fight for the promotion’s next visit to Madison Square Garden in November, “DC” doesn’t believe everything is set in stone just yet.

For that to happen. Cormier thinks UFC 304 will have to pass by without an emphatic and dominant display from the interim titleholder.

“I can’t wait to get to Manchester. Dude, could you imagine if Tom Aspinall just washes out Curtis Blaydes? Then the firestorm that will start to gather for him to fight Jones — or if Curtis Blaydes just demolishes Tom Aspinall? It would be crazy,” Cormier said. “Here’s the difference, though: for there to truly be an uprising, it would have to be Aspinall destroying Blaydes.

“You’ve seen Curtis Blaydes lose before. So people would think, ‘Oh, he beat Tom Aspinall, but we’ve seen him get beat by Francis and lose to other guys.’ … But if Aspinall goes through Blaydes in the way he did Sergei, and he’s only lost because of that injury default, people would lose their minds almost insisting that he and Jones fight,” Cormier continued. “If Tom Aspinall can get through this fight and he’s clean and he looks dominant, there may be such a fan uprising that the UFC may be forced to make Jones vs. Aspinall. I don’t know what that would do for my man Stipe.”

Judging by his recent remarks, Jones evidently doesn’t see much chance of a demolition job in Manchester.

In addition to backing Blaydes to get the job done on July 27, the Rochester native suggested “Razor” was piecing Aspinall up in their 2022 UFC Fight Night headliner. That’s despite the bout lasting just 15 seconds.

Jones has also pointed to reigning light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira as a more intriguing option than Aspinall, claiming only UK fans would rather see him fight the interim champ.

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Marc Goddard Names One UFC Champion He’ll Never Referee Fights For: ‘When He Was Just An Amateur…’

When a big UFC main event is about to begin, you’re guaranteed to see one of just a few of the recognizable top officials in the sport standing between the fighters. Marc Goddard has been one of the staple referees working in the sport for some time now and is a former ‘Referee of the […]

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When a big UFC main event is about to begin, you’re guaranteed to see one of just a few of the recognizable top officials in the sport standing between the fighters.

Marc Goddard has been one of the staple referees working in the sport for some time now and is a former ‘Referee of the Year’ winner at the Annual MMA Awards.

Despite being such a prominent fixture of the biggest events of the year, there are some occasions where the Brit has decided to remove himself from the equation for various reasons.

Having been in and around the sport for such a long time, it’s only natural that you’re going to build connections with certain fighters or teams that may effect your ability to remain impartial.

Marc Goddard Says You Never Have & Never Will See Him Referee A Leon Edwards Fight

During a recent and rare podcast appearance, Goddard spoke about one of his only exceptions to officiating a fight on the Overdogs Podcast.

He noted that fans will never see him be the third man in the cage when a current UFC champion is in action because of his ties to that fighter.

With that in mind, you can expect to see a name like Herb Dean or Jason Herzog in the Octagon for the upcoming main event of UFC 304…

“Leon Edwards, you’ve never saw me referee Leon Edwards in the UFC and you never will. Why? Because I was Leon Edwards’ first coach in MMA way back when, when he was just an amateur. But again, the common sense element for me…you never saw me referee him and you never will because we’ll just keep it out the way.

“I just don’t want any hassle and I don’t want to be put in a predicament where I’m making a call that could go against him, so it’s both ways.”

Goddard also revealed that there are other scenarios that can lead to him turning down a particular assignment.

He gave the example of how he withdrew from being the official for Israel Adesanya’s rematch with Alex Pereira last April in Miami.

Goddard gave the reason that after Adesanya wasn’t satisfied with the stoppage of his first encounter with Pereira five months prior, the official didn’t want this to have any impact on the challenger in the second fight.

Continue Reading Marc Goddard Names One UFC Champion He’ll Never Referee Fights For: ‘When He Was Just An Amateur…’ at MMA News.

What’s Next After UFC 303? Full Confirmed UFC 304 Main Card For Manchester On July 27

UFC 303 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering. The promotion was in Las Vegas, Nevada, last week, where the T-Mobile Arena played host to a number of intriguing matchups for International Fight Week. Of note were victories for UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex […]

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UFC 303 is in the books, meaning attention will soon turn to the mixed martial arts leader’s next pay-per-view offering.

The promotion was in Las Vegas, Nevada, last week, where the T-Mobile Arena played host to a number of intriguing matchups for International Fight Week. Of note were victories for UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira, fast-rising featherweight fan favorite Diego Lopes, and undefeated welterweight Ian Garry.

While the aftermath of the June 29 card is currently the talk of the town, it won’t be long until focus sways to the next PPV, and from the light heavyweight title picture to the 170-pound championship conversation.

At UFC 304, set for the newly built Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on July 27, reigning welterweight kingpin Leon Edwards will make the walk for the first time this year, making his third defense of the gold in a rematch against Belal Muhammad.

There will also be title stakes between familiar opponents in the co-headliner, as interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall runs it back with Curtis Blaydes two years on from his devastating knee injury opposite “Razor” just 15 seconds into their UFC Fight Night main event in London.

Pimblett, Mokaev, Allen Set The Stage For Title Headliners At UFC 304

Before Edwards and Aspinall defend their championships on home soil in the main and co-main events, respectively, a number of other high-profile Brits will take to the Octagon looking to make the post of their position on the major card.

That includes up-and-coming lightweight Paddy Pimblett, who gets his toughest test to date in the form of the #15-ranked Bobby Green. After extending his unbeaten UFC record to 5-0 by getting the better of Tony Ferguson, the Liverpool native has the chance to break through into the top 15 against “King,” who most recently outpointed Jim Miller on the milestone UFC 300 card this past April.

Prior to that, Dagestan-born Brit Muhammad Mokaev will look to stake his claim for a first shot at the flyweight gold when he meets former Rizin champion Manel Kape. “The Young Punisher” most recently edged past ex-title challenger Alex Perez at the Apex in March. “Starboy,” meanwhile, hasn’t competed since a victory at UFC 293 in Sydney last September, with a weight miss and injury subsequently scrapping his two scheduled rematches with Matheus Nicolau this year.

Another local favorite will open the main card, with Ipswich native Arnold Allen looking to get back on track. Following a valiant effort in defeat against Max Holloway in Kansas City last April, “Almighty” fell on the wrong side of a tight and debated decision opposite Movsar Evloev at UFC 297 in Toronto, Canada, this past January. To bounce back, Allen must halt the resurgence of striking specialist Giga Chikadze, who most recently returned to winning ways at the expense of Alex Caceres in Singapore last August.

See below for the full UFC 304 card, as it stands.

Main Card:

  • Leon Edwards (C) vs. Belal Muhammad (welterweight championship main event)
  • Tom Aspinall (C) vs. Curtis Blaydes  (interim heavyweight championship co-main event)
  • Bobby Green vs. Paddy Pimblett (lightweight)
  • Muhammad Mokaev vs. Manel Kape (flyweight)
  • Arnold Allen vs. Giga Chikadze (featherweight)

Preliminary Card:

  • Nathaniel Wood vs. Daniel Pineda (featherweight)
  • Molly McCann vs. Bruna Brasil (women’s strawweight)
  • Caolán Loughran vs. Ramon Tavares (bantamweight)
  • Mick Parkin vs. ?ukasz Brzeski (heavyweight)

Early Preliminary Card:

  • Oban Elliott vs. Preston Parsons (welterweight)
  • Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues (middleweight)
  • Sam Patterson vs. Kiefer Crosbie (welterweight)
  • Shauna Bannon vs. Ravena Oliveira (women’s strawweight)
  • Modestas Bukauskas vs. Marcin Prachnio (light heavyweight) 
Image: Stephen R. Sylvanie/USA TODAY Sports

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