Aspinall Retains Interim Heavyweight Title with Knockout Victory at UFC 304

MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Tom Aspinall showcased his dominance in the octagon by retaining the UFC interim heavyweight championship with a decisive first-round knockout of Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 on Saturday night. Aspinall delivered a powerful right hand that sent Blaydes crashing to the canvas, finishing the fight with a flurry of punches just one minute into the round. This victory positions Aspinall for a potential high-stakes matchup against legendary fighter Jon Jones. Following the fight, Aspinall expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “I just think I’m better than you,” and emphasized his readiness for future challenges. The victory marks Aspinall's 12th career knockout, further solidifying his reputation as a formidable contender in the heavyweight division. He previously made history as the first British heavyweight champion at UFC 295, where he knocked out Sergei Pavlovich. The interim title bout was added to the card after Jones suffered a torn pectoral tendon, forcing the postponement of his title defense against Stipe Miocic. Both fighters are expected to face off in the future, with the winner set to challenge Aspinall for the undisputed heavyweight championship. Aspinall's impressive performance against Blaydes has put him firmly in the spotlight, as he aims to establish himself as the top fighter in the division. In addition to Aspinall's victory, Paddy Pimblett also made headlines by submitting Jared Green in the first round, signaling his intent to compete for the lightweight championship. The UFC continues to build excitement as fighters position themselves for future title opportunities.