American fighter Curtis Blaydes has spoken out about his upcoming rematch against interim UFC heavyweight champion, Briton Tom Aspinall, which takes place on July 27 at UFC 304 in Manchester.
MMA Junkie quotes Blaydes as saying:
I see me getting a first-round knockout within the first 25 seconds of the fight. I knew that I would have another opportunity to fight him again. Whether or not it was for a belt, I wouldn't have been able to guess it. But I think it's a little poetic that it is for a belt.
The first fight between Blaydes and Aspinall took place in July 2022 at UFC Fight Night 208. In this fight Curtis won by technical knockout after Tom was unable to continue the fight due to a knee injury.
Aspinall has 14 wins and three losses on his mixed martial arts record. Blaydes has 18 wins and four losses to his name, with one fight ruled a no-contest.