The wait is almost over for British MMA fans as hometown hero Tom Aspinall prepares to defend his interim heavyweight crown in a highly anticipated rematch at UFC 304. The Manchester showdown promises to be one of the most explosive events of the year.
Prime Time for UK Fans
In a welcome departure from typical US-centric scheduling, UFC 304 has been tailored for British audiences. The preliminary fights kick off at 11pm BST on Saturday night, with the main card following at 3am BST on Sunday morning.
For those wondering about the unusual timing, this schedule actually works perfectly for UK viewers who want to catch the entire event without staying up until dawn. The main event featuring Aspinall is expected to begin around 5:30am BST.
The Main Event: Aspinall vs Blaydes II
This marks Aspinall's first title defence since capturing the interim belt with a stunning 69-second knockout of Sergei Pavlovich. The rematch against Curtis Blaydes carries extra significance - their first meeting in July 2022 ended tragically when Aspinall suffered a knee injury just 15 seconds into the fight.
"This is about redemption and proving I'm the best heavyweight in the world," Aspinall told reporters. "That first fight wasn't a real fight. This time, we settle it properly."
Stacked Co-Main Event
UFC 304 features another massive title fight as Leon Edwards defends his welterweight championship against Belal Muhammad. The Birmingham native looks to continue his impressive reign in front of a home crowd.
How to Watch in the UK
- TV: TNT Sports 1
- Streaming: Discovery+
- Prelims start: 11pm BST Saturday
- Main card: 3am BST Sunday
With two British champions headlining and a card packed with international talent, UFC 304 represents a landmark moment for UK mixed martial arts. The Manchester crowd is expected to create an electric atmosphere as Aspinall looks to cement his legacy on home soil.
