UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall believes Curtis Blaydes is the most stylistically challenging opponent in the division for him. The fighters will have a rematch on July 27 in Manchester at UFC 304.
I've openly said plenty of times that I think Curtis Blaydes is one of the toughest fights in the division for me, if not the toughest stylistically. This is a real title defense. For me, it's another fight, tough fight. I don't shy away from tough fights.
The first meeting between Aspinall and Blaydes, which took place at UFC Fight Night 208 in July 2022, ended with Curtis winning by technical knockout. In the 15th second of the confrontation, Tom suffered a knee injury and was unable to continue the fight.
Aspinall last entered the octagon in November 2023 at UFC 295, defeating Sergei Pavlovich by first-round knockout. He has 14 wins and three losses on his record.
Blaydes last fought in March 2024 at UFC 299, defeating Jailton Almeida by knockout in the second round. He has 18 wins and four losses on his record, with one fight ruled a no contest.
