Aspinall challenges Jones after knocking out Blaydes at UFC 304

Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is eyeing a monumental clash with fan favourite Jon Jones after handing Curtis Blaydes a brutal first-round knockout at UFC 304.

Aspinall took only 60 seconds to get the better of Blaydes in Manchester early on Sunday morning, sending the American to the canvas with a flurry of right-hand punches.

He then called out Jones, who claimed the heavyweight crown at UFC 285 by beating Ciryl Gane.

Aspinall aims to solidify legacy with Jones fight

Jones has been out of action since March 2023 after sustaining a pectoral tendon injury, but he continues to be one of the most respected names in the division.

He has fought just once as a heavyweight in his UFC career, but that was enough to claim the title.

Before that, Jones forged an illustrious career in the UFC light heavyweight division, where he still holds several records.

Even though ‘Bones’ has not returned to the ring after conquering Gane at UFC 285, he remains the man to beat in the division, and Aspinall acknowledges this.

“Jon’s the undisputed champion, but I’m the best in the world, if that makes any sense,” Aspinall declared after the fight.

“We know what Jon’s doing,” he continued.

“Jon was there, crossing his fingers and toes tonight hoping I’d lose to Curtis, let’s not bullshit 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.”

Blaydes unable to defy underdog tag

Pre-fight odds at UFC bookmakers had suggested that Blaydes had an uphill battle on his hands.

Aspinall was a -454.55 favourite at Bovada, while his American counterpart was at +320.

Blaydes is a formidable fighter in his own right, but the intensity of facing the big-hitting Englishman in front of his home crowd proved too much for him.

Aspinall set the tone with a fierce right-handed punch as soon as the fight started.

Blaydes crumpled to the canvas but managed to regain his feet, only to be overwhelmed in the end.

The 33-year-old had no answer to the barrage of punches that followed and had to succumb to a premature knockout.

In his post-fight press conference, Aspinall revealed he was glad to make amends for his TKO defeat to Blaydes in 2022.

“I had nothing against him personally, but we needed to put that one to bed,” he said.

“It was a freak accident in the first fight.

“Now I’ve got my revenge. Thank God.”

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