Aspinall, 'best finisher in the UFC,' KOs Blaydes

Officially, Tom Aspinall is the UFC's interim heavyweight champion. Unofficially, he's probably the best heavyweight in the world -- and maybe the division's hardest hitter.

Aspinall (15-3) defended his interim championship in emphatic fashion at UFC 304 on Saturday, as he knocked out Curtis Blaydes (18-5) with a left hand and punches on the ground just one minute into their heavyweight title fight. The bout served as the co-main event, inside Co-Op Arena in Manchester.

Immediately after the win, Aspinall called out the undisputed champion Jon Jones, who is widely considered the greatest fighter of all time and is expected to face Stipe Miocic later this year.

"I'm the best finisher in the UFC, if I start to snowball you, you're done," Aspinall said. "Who wants to see Tom Aspinall vs. Jon Jones?"

Jones, 37, has not shown interest in the idea of fighting Aspinall, previously. He was supposed to face Miocic last November in New York City, but withdrew due to injury.

Aspinall, of Salford, England, knocked Blaydes down with a counter jab. The shot didn't put Blaydes out, but it did knock him to his butt and he quickly turtled and covered up from Aspinall's follow-up shots. Aspinall landed a series of unanswered strikes to the side of his head, prompting a stop from the referee.

The victory avenges Aspinall's only loss in the UFC, which came against Blaydes in July 2022 in London. The fight ended in just 15 seconds, when Aspinall's knee gave out as he threw a kick. Aspinall underwent surgery and returned one year later. He's finished three consecutive opponents in the first round since his return.

"I had nothing against (Blaydes) personally, but we needed to put that one to bed," Aspinall said. "It was a freak accident. Now, I've got my revenge. Thank God."

Blaydes looked composed and confident in the fight, but still became the latest victim of Aspinall's speed and finishing ability. He landed a good, short left cross in the first exchange, but got caught by the jab when he came forward moments later. It's the fifth time Blaydes has lost via knockout.

Prior to UFC 304, CEO Dana White said the winner of Aspinall and Blaydes would eventually face the winner of Jones and Miocic, however the future of both Jones and Miocic is uncertain. Jones has only fought once in four years. Miocic, 42, hasn't fought at all in more than three years.