UFC 304's highly anticipated Manchester event has been thrown into turmoil as Tom Aspinall's interim heavyweight title defence faces collapse following opponent Curtis Blaydes' shock withdrawal.
The Manchester card, scheduled for July 27th at the Co-op Live arena, now hangs in the balance after American contender Blaydes was forced to pull out due to injury, creating a major headache for UFC matchmakers.
Deja Vu for Aspinall as Injury Curse Strikes Again
This isn't the first time Aspinall has faced fight week disappointment against Blaydes. Their previous encounter in July 2022 ended catastrophically when the British star suffered a knee injury just 15 seconds into the bout.
The timing couldn't be worse for Aspinall, who was looking to cement his status as the division's top contender with a decisive victory in front of his home crowd.
UFC Scrambles for Replacement Amid Manchester Mayhem
UFC officials are now racing against time to find a suitable replacement fighter to save the main event. Several potential opponents are being considered, but finding a ranked heavyweight willing to step in on short notice presents significant challenges.
The cancellation would represent a massive blow to British MMA fans, many of whom have already purchased tickets and travel arrangements for what promised to be one of the biggest UFC events ever held in the UK.
What's Next for Aspinall's Title Reign?
Should the fight fall through completely, it could have serious implications for the heavyweight division timeline. Aspinall has been vocal about wanting to unify the titles against current champion Jon Jones, but this latest setback could delay those plans indefinitely.
This developing story continues to unfold, with UFC President Dana White and his team working frantically behind the scenes to salvage the Manchester spectacular.
