British MMA sensation Tom Aspinall is set for a career-defining moment as he prepares to defend his UFC interim heavyweight championship against American powerhouse Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 this summer.
Manchester's Co-op Arena Hosts Blockbuster Rematch
The highly anticipated event will take place at Manchester's state-of-the-art Co-op Live Arena on July 27th, marking the UFC's triumphant return to the city after years of anticipation from British fight fans.
This isn't the first time these two heavyweight titans have shared the octagon. Their initial encounter in July 2022 ended in heartbreaking fashion for Aspinall, who suffered a catastrophic knee injury just 15 seconds into the bout.
Redemption Story Unfolds in Home Territory
Now fully recovered and riding a wave of impressive victories, the Wigan-born fighter gets his chance at redemption in front of what promises to be a roaring home crowd. Aspinall's journey back to championship contention has been nothing short of remarkable, culminating in his stunning knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich to claim the interim title.
"This fight means everything to me," Aspinall recently told TNT Sports. "Not just because it's a title defence, but because I have unfinished business with Blaydes. Manchester will be electric that night."
What's at Stake in the Co-main Event
While Aspinall-Blaydes headlines the spectacular, the co-main event features another massive British showdown. UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards defends his belt against Belal Muhammad in what promises to be a technical masterclass.
The full UFC 304 card represents one of the strongest lineups ever assembled in the UK, with multiple British fighters featured throughout the night. Ticket sales are expected to break records, with pre-registration already overwhelming the UFC's systems.
For Aspinall, this fight represents more than just defending a belt - it's about cementing his legacy and proving that his first encounter with Blaydes was merely a chapter in what's becoming an extraordinary career story.
