Tag: UFC 304

Paddy Pimblett Sends Message To His Haters Following UFC 304 Win Over King Green: ‘People Are Going To Move The Goal Posts’

Paddy Pimblett made a huge statement at UFC 304, scoring an easy first-round submission of King Green in under four minutes and likely clinching a spot in the UFC’s lightweight rankings. After Pimblett nailed Green with several low kicks early in the fight, the veteran American made a questionable decision by trying to take down […]

Continue Reading Paddy Pimblett Sends Message To His Haters Following UFC 304 Win Over King Green: ‘People Are Going To Move The Goal Posts’ at MMA News.

Paddy Pimblett made a huge statement at UFC 304, scoring an easy first-round submission of King Green in under four minutes and likely clinching a spot in the UFC’s lightweight rankings.

After Pimblett nailed Green with several low kicks early in the fight, the veteran American made a questionable decision by trying to take down “The Baddy,” who is a grappling expert. Pimblett countered with a guillotine before transitioning into a triangle choke, which Pimblett told ESPN MMA’s Megan Olivi after the fight is his favorite kind of submission.

As Pimblett looked for an armbar, Green could be seen unconscious, giving him a submission win.

When Pimblett reflected on how the fight played out, he expressed concern that others might move the goal posts and say that Green, who was ranked No. 15, is not the kind of quality opponent to get him into the rankings.

The Liverpool native, however, had a counterargument in mind.

“First person in the UFC to submit Bobby Green, and that’s like his 25th UFC fight or something like that,” Pimblett said. “Even Islam [Makhachev] couldn’t do that. But people are going to keep underestimating me. People are going to move the goal posts now and say, ‘Oh Bobby is finished, Bobby this, Bobby that,’ when last week it was, ‘Bobby’s going to beat Paddy up. Bobby’s going to do this to him, he’s going to do that, he’s going to dog-walk him.’ What happened?”

Paddy Pimblett May Be Cageside For Renato Moicano vs. Benoît Saint Denis In Paris After UFC 304 Win

In the Octagon at UFC 304, Pimblett called out Renato Moicano for his next fight. Though the two have had exchanges on social media, the Brazilian s currently booked to face Benoît Saint Denis in Paris on September 28.

While Pimblett hopes to be placed at No. 10 in the rankings, he will take being at No. 15, as he looks up toward other contenders to continue his momentum and rise up the 155 ranks.

“Before this Bobby Green fight got made, me and Renato were speaking about each other on Twitter,” Pimblett said. “A lot of people up front of me in the rankings can’t really say no. The only thing about Renato now is that he’s got a fight. He’s fighting BSD in Paris. You never know, might end up going out there. Might end up being cageside for that.”

Moicano and Saint Denis are set to headline the upcoming UFC Fight Night in the French capital, with the former looking to build on his momentum from a knockout of Jalin Turner at UFC 300 and “God of War” hoping to bounce back from his loss to Dustin Poirier at UFC 299.

Continue Reading Paddy Pimblett Sends Message To His Haters Following UFC 304 Win Over King Green: ‘People Are Going To Move The Goal Posts’ at MMA News.

Jon Jones makes ominous comment on Tom Aspinall’s title win

Jon Jones makes ominous comment on Tom Aspinall title winForever linked with a title unification fight with Tom Aspinall – Jon Jones only drew further links to a…

Jon Jones makes ominous comment on Tom Aspinall title win

Forever linked with a title unification fight with Tom Aspinall – Jon Jones only drew further links to a showdown with the heavyweight star next, sharing his reaction to the Brit’s huge knockout win over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 overnight.

Aspinall, the current interim titleholder at the heavyweight limit, returned to action overnight in his native Manchester, landing a stunning opening round knockout win over Blaydes just a minute into the opening round of their rematch fight.

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And expected to serve as a backup fighter to Jones’ return against former two-time heavyweight gold holder, Stipe Miocic later this year at UFC 309 – Aspinall boldly claimed the Rochester veteran was hoping for his demise overnight at the Co-op Live Arena.

tom blaydes

“Jon’s (Jones) the undisputed champion, but I’m the best in the world, if that makes any sense,” Tom Aspinall told assembled media after UFC 304. “We know what Jon’s doing, Jon was there, crossing how fingers and toes tonight hoping I’d lose to Curtis (Blaydes).”

“Let’s not bullsh*t about it – he posted about it loads anyway that I’m going to lose to him,” Tom Aspinall explained. “That didn’t happen, so that’s the fight I want next.”

Jon Jones offers cryptic reaction to Tom Aspinall’s win at UFC 304

And sharing his reaction to the Atherton native’s win at UFC 304, Jones – albeit cryptically appeared to welcome the chance to take on the interim champion in the near future.

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“Supply and demand at its finest,” Jon Jones posted on his official X account. “I love it.”

Expected to return later this year in November, former pound-for-pound number one, Jones has been heavily tied to a battle with the above-mentioned, Miocic in the main event of UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden. 

Who wins in a future title fight: Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall?

Tom Aspinall Tells Jon Jones To Hand Over The Title If He Doesn’t Want To Fight Him After UFC 304 Win

Tom Aspinall felt that he was in the fight of his life when he stepped in the Octagon for his UFC 304 interim heavyweight championship co-main event against Curtis Blaydes. The Brit is two years removed from his devastating MCL tear the first time he faced “Razor” in England, and it was his first fight […]

Continue Reading Tom Aspinall Tells Jon Jones To Hand Over The Title If He Doesn’t Want To Fight Him After UFC 304 Win at MMA News.

Tom Aspinall felt that he was in the fight of his life when he stepped in the Octagon for his UFC 304 interim heavyweight championship co-main event against Curtis Blaydes.

The Brit is two years removed from his devastating MCL tear the first time he faced “Razor” in England, and it was his first fight since winning the interim belt at New York’s Madison Square Garden last November.

And despite a day that he described as the longest of his life, with nerves going throughout his body, Aspinall got the job done in just 60 seconds, finishing Blaydes to retain the championship.

Though Aspinall told Megan Olivi of ESPN MMA that it felt like a homecoming redemption moment after all he’s been through, he made sure to give a ton of respect to Blaydes.

“Curtis is a great wrestler, but he’s also got great hands. He’s a great MMA fighter,” Aspinall said. “The guy’s been in the top five since before I was in the UFC. He’s a veteran. There is a lot of emphasis on his wrestling because not a lot of guys in the heavyweight division can wrestle well, but he’s an MMA fighter, so I was expecting everything.

“I’ve got a lot of respect for Curtis, and I want to get in and out as quick as possible without anyone getting hurt. That’s my plan. I hope Curtis is OK.”

‘You Can’t Leave Me Out’ – Tom Aspinall Awaits Jon Jones Or Stipe Miocic To Unify Heavyweight Championship

Following the win, Aspinall had a callout of UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones — a fight that many have been clamoring to see over Jones vs. Stipe Miocic. The interim champ commented about having a conversation with UFC CEO Dana White, implying the chance that plans could change.

White, however, stated at the UFC 304 post-fight press conference that the plan is still to go with Jones vs. Miocic. However, he appeared to insinuate that Aspinall will be assigned as the backup fighter in case Jones vs. Miocic falls through again.

Aspinall told Olivi that the plan is to fight the winner of Jones vs. Miocic, but he urged “Bones” to hand the belt over if he doesn’t want the fight.

“I’ll wait…that’s one worth waiting for,” Aspinall said. “If Jon Jones doesn’t want to do it, OK. Just hand me over the title. I’ll take it, no problem. But that’s the fight I want. It’s the right fight to do. I understand that’s a huge fight for the UFC and the company — Stipe vs. Jon Jones. But, c’mon, you can’t leave me out.”

Jones vs. Miocic was scheduled to headline UFC 295 last November before Jones tore his pec, which led to the fight where Aspinall defeated Sergei Pavlovich to become interim champion.

Jones defeated Ciryl Gane to win the then-vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285 following Francis Ngannou’s departure from the promotion. Miocic, meanwhile, has not fought since dropping the heavyweight title to Ngannou at UFC 260.

Rumors, reports, and even Jones himself have stated the plan is for Jones vs. Miocic to headline a Madison Square Garden PPV card in November. Those event plans, however, have not been confirmed by the UFC and have been left murky with a concert series taking place at the venue during UFC 309’s original target date of November 9.

Continue Reading Tom Aspinall Tells Jon Jones To Hand Over The Title If He Doesn’t Want To Fight Him After UFC 304 Win at MMA News.

Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall – ‘Scrap the Stipe fight’ advocates Derek Brunson

Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall - "Scrap the Stipe fight!" Advocates Derek BrunsonOff the back of his stunning first round knockout win over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 overnight to successfully…

Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall - "Scrap the Stipe fight!" Advocates Derek Brunson

Off the back of his stunning first round knockout win over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 overnight to successfully defend his interim heavyweight crown, fans, pundits, and fellow fighters have campaigned for Tom Aspinall to replace Stipe Miocic in a return at UFC 309 later this year against fellow gold holder, Jon Jones.

Aspinall, who returned to his native Manchester overnight at the Co-op Live Arena, managed to successfully defend his interim heavyweight crown in spectacular fashion – taking on perennial challenger, Blaydes in a title rematch.

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And avenging his 2022 loss to Blaydes, Aspinall laid out the veteran contender inside just a minute – courtesy of a gutsy overhand right strike, sending the former to the canvas before swarming with ground strikes for a technical knockout stoppage.

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

Welcoming the chance to take on Rochester veteran, Jones next in a title unification matchup, Aspinall has received backing from a host of fighters – including promotional alum, Derek Brunson to “replace” Ohio veteran, Miocic and compete at Madison Square Garden again this year.

“Jon Jones v. Tom Aspinall is a must, scrap the Stipe fight! I speak for everyone,” Derek Brunson posted on his official X account.

Tom Aspinall calls for title fight with Jon Jones next

Sharing his thoughts on the state of affairs at heavyweight, Aspinall claimed Jones was likely praying to the mixed martial arts Gods for a Blaydes victory in the United Kingdom.

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“Jon’s (Jones) the undisputed champion, but I’m the best in the world, if that makes any sense,” Tom Aspinall told assembled media after UFC 304. “We know what Jon’s doing, Jon was there, crossing how fingers and toes tonight hoping I’d lose to Curtis (Blaydes).”

“Let’s not bullsh*t about it – he posted about it loads anyway that I’m going to lose to him,” Tom Aspinall explained. “That didn’t happen, so that’s the fight I want next.”

Who do you think wins in a future title fight: Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall?

Tom Aspinall Says Jon Jones “Crossed His Fingers” He Wouldn’t Win at UFC 304

Tom Aspinall, Jon JonesInterim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall thinks Jon Jones had a significant rooting interest in his UFC 304 co-main…

Tom Aspinall, Jon Jones

Interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall thinks Jon Jones had a significant rooting interest in his UFC 304 co-main event bout.

Aspinall made quick work of Curtis Blaydes as he successfully defended his interim belt at UFC 304. Just a minute into the first round, Aspinall swarmed Blaydes with a barrage of punches that forced the referee to stop the action.

Aspinall now awaits the winner of the expected Jones vs. Stipe Miocic fight to challenge for the lineal UFC heavyweight championship. After earning the interim belt at UFC 295, he became the first UFC fighter since 2013 to defend an interim title.

Aspinall has called for a mammoth clash with Jones for months, ever since Jones earned the then-vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285. After his performance at UFC 304, Aspinall feels he made Jones think twice about potentially booking a future fight.

Tom Aspinall eyes Jon Jones after UFC 304 statement win

During the UFC 304 post-fight press conference, Aspinall turned his attention to a potential clash with Jones.

“Jon’s the undisputed champion, but I’m the best in the world, if that makes any sense,” Aspinall said. “We know what Jon’s doing. Jon was there, crossing his fingers and toes tonight hoping I’d lose to Curtis, let’s not bull***t about it. He posted about it loads anyway that I’m going to lose to him. That didn’t happen, so that’s the fight I want next…

“He’ll be very angry about it or the fact that everyone’s saying that I can beat him, but that’s OK,” Aspinall continued. “On the contrary to what Jon Jones fanboys might think, I have nothing against Jon Jones as a person. I think I’m the best heavyweight in the world and if he thinks he’s the best heavyweight in the world, let’s settle it. Simple as that. It’s not rocket science. There’s two guys who are claiming to be the best heavyweight in the world. Let’s settle it, simple as that.” (h/t MMA Fighting)

Aspinall has won three consecutive fights since an injury stoppage loss to Blaydes in 2022. He made his comeback in 2023 with back-to-back finishes over Marcin Tybura and Sergei Pavlovich.

Jones is rumored to make his return against Miocic at the UFC’s November pay-per-view event in New York City. As of this writing, the promotion hasn’t formally announced nor booked the UFC Hall of Famer’s return.

While Aspinall doesn’t believe Jones is outright scared of him, he thinks the heavyweight champion had a preferred winner in mind at UFC 304, and the UK star ruined his hopes emphatically.

Belal Muhammad Denies Leon Edwards an Immediate Rematch after UFC 304: “In 3 Years!”

Belal MuhammadNew UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad doesn’t plan on giving Leon Edwards an immediate title rematch after their UFC…

Belal Muhammad

New UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad doesn’t plan on giving Leon Edwards an immediate title rematch after their UFC 304 headliner.

Muhammad shocked the UK crowd by defeating Edwards by unanimous decision at UFC 304 on Saturday in Manchester. He capped off his lengthy unbeaten streak in the Octagon with a title win, using his wrestling to shut down Edwards’ gameplan.

Muhammad’s revenge came three years after a no-contest against Edwards in their 2021 UFC Fight Night main event. Both fighters had come a long way since their first fight, but Muhammad got his vengeance to earn the welterweight championship.

After the fight, pre-fight tensions between Muhammad and Edwards seemed to dampen. But, the heat behind their rivalry remains fiery, and a future trilogy between them seems inevitable.

Muhammad doesn’t plan on granting Edwards an immediate shot at reclaiming the title, and the now-former titleholder will have to grind his way back to the mix.

Belal Muhammad Shrugs Off Leon Edwards Rematch

During his UFC 304 post-fight press conference, Muhammad was asked about a potential trilogy with Edwards.

“Yeah I’ll give him a rematch, in three years,” Muhammad said. “Let him work his way back up. I think it was a dominant fight, there really is no need for a rematch. He didn’t have that long reign of a champion where he’s entitled to a rematch. For me, I came to his hometown, in front of his people, enemy territory, so it was all a layup for him…

“But, I blocked it.”

Edwards hinted at potentially returning to the Octagon at least one more time before year’s end. He could potentially face another top contender before making the case for another title shot against Muhammad.

Muhammad defeated former title challengers Demian Maia, Stephen Thompson, and Gilbert Burns en route to the title shot. He hasn’t lost since a 2019 defeat to Geoff Neal.

Edwards won the belt by head-kick knockout over Kamaru Usman at UFC 278. He outpointed Usman in their UFC 286 trilogy before defeating Colby Covington in December.

Muhammad will look to rein in a new era in the UFC welterweight division. After ending Edwards’s time on the throne, Muhammad feels his rival should earn another shot at a world title by merit.