Tom Aspinall v Curtis Blaydes 2 Odds: Brit odds-on for knockout

UFC 304 at Manchester's Co-op Live arena will see home favourite Tom Aspinall defend his interim heavyweight title against 31-year-old American challenger Curtis Blaydes.

Aspinall's latest outing will see him seek to avenge his sole defeat in the UFC to date, albeit a loss only inflicted as a result of a technicality, with the Manchester fighter forced to retire after just 15 seconds after busting his knee in his first meeting with Blaydes in London in July 2022.

(Odds will display when markets are available).

The serious knee injury suffered by Aspinall in his first bout against Blaydes threatened to derail the Brit's promising ascent to the top of the heavyweight division.

Any question marks over his ability to compete at the top level following such a significant injury have been quickly rebuffed, however, with Aspinall appearing stronger than ever both physically and mentally upon his return to the octagon - knocking out two fearsome fighters in the form of Marcin Tybura and Sergei Pavlovich to claim the interim title.

Interim champion status typically earns UFC fighters an immediate title shot, but this is not the case for Aspinall with reigning heavyweight strap holder Jon Jones still expected to defend his title in a superfight against Stipe Miocic later this year.

The winner of Aspinall v Blaydes 2 at UFC 304 could therefore earn a crack at the heavyweight title against whoever prevails in the projected fight between Jones and Miocic.

This should provide plenty of incentive for Aspinall to get his hand raised when he comes face to face with Blaydes in his hometown of Manchester in what should be a compelling heavyweight match-up.

Blaydes is a dangerous opponent for Aspinall as a heavy-handed puncher who is also an accomplished wrestler, but the Brit's all-round mixed martial arts skillset should prove too much for the American on the night.

Aspinall has developed a penchant for finishing his opponents quickly in the UFC and he is likely to want to continue in this fashion in front of a partisan home crowd at UFC Manchester.

James Wilson

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