The stage is set for an intense battle at UFC 304 in Manchester, England, as champion Tom Aspinall prepares to defend his interim heavyweight title against challenger Curtis Blaydes. The stakes are high, with UFC president Dana White confirming that the winner of this fight will go on to face the winner of the upcoming heavyweight title fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic in a unification bout.
After winning the vacant heavyweight championship by submitting Ciryl Gane in March 2023, Jon Jones was set to face Stipe Miocic at UFC 295. However, a torn pectoral tendon during training forced Jones out of the fight. This paved the way for Aspinall to step up and claim the interim title in a matchup against Sergei Pavlovich. Aspinall’s victory set the stage for a potential unification fight with Jones or Miocic.
Aspinall and Blaydes will meet once again in a rematch of their 2022 matchup. This fight holds significance as it is the only loss on Aspinall’s UFC record. In their previous encounter, Aspinall suffered a TKO after a knee injury just 15 seconds into the fight. The upcoming fight at UFC 304 provides Aspinall with an opportunity for redemption and to solidify his status as a dominant force in the heavyweight division.
Both Aspinall and Blaydes will enter the Octagon with their eyes set on victory. For Aspinall, it is a chance to prove himself against a familiar opponent and showcase his skills as a deserving champion. On the other hand, Blaydes will be looking to avenge his past losses and stake his claim for a shot at the heavyweight title. The intensity and determination of both fighters will undoubtedly make this a thrilling bout for fans.
The interim heavyweight title fight at UFC 304 is not just a battle for supremacy in the division, but also a stepping stone towards the ultimate goal of unifying the titles. With the specter of a potential showdown between the winner of this fight and the champions looming large, the stakes have never been higher. Fans can expect an action-packed and fiercely contested battle as these heavyweight warriors clash in the Octagon.