In a surprising flip of occasions at UFC 299, Curtis Blaydes etched his identify as the highest contender for the interim heavyweight title with a exceptional comeback knockout victory over the surging Jailton Almeida. The win not solely cemented Blaydes’ standing as a pressure within the heavyweight division but additionally reignited his long-standing need for a rematch towards the reigning interim champion, Tom Aspinall.
The Unfinished Enterprise Between Aspinall and Blaydes
Following his spectacular triumph, Blaydes wasted no time in calling out Aspinall, declaring, “I consider me and Aspinall have some unfinished enterprise. I’d wish to get that one subsequent. That’s my subsequent combat: Aspinall.”
Their preliminary encounter in July 2022 ended abruptly after simply 15 seconds, with Aspinall struggling a devastating knee harm. Now, with Aspinall holding the interim heavyweight title and Blaydes driving excessive on his latest victory, the stage appears set for a extremely anticipated rematch.
Aspinall Accepts the Problem
Aspinall, who claimed the interim title with a first-round knockout towards Sergei Pavlovich in November 2023, didn’t hesitate to simply accept Blaydes’ problem. Responding to a fan’s name for a summer season showdown on Twitter, the British fighter confidently acknowledged, “Don’t gotta ask me twice. I’m in.”
The potential matchup between Aspinall and Blaydes guarantees to be a charming affair, with each fighters wanting to settle the rating and declare the coveted interim heavyweight championship.
A Potential UK Homecoming for Aspinall
Whereas nothing is ready in stone but, rumours recommend that the UFC may return to the UK for a summer season occasion. If this materializes, Blaydes has expressed his willingness to journey throughout the pond, declaring, “London was dope. I’m down to return.”
A homecoming combat for Aspinall towards the formidable Blaydes would undoubtedly generate immense pleasure amongst British MMA followers, additional amplifying the anticipation surrounding this potential heavyweight conflict.
Gane on the Backburner for Blaydes
Amidst the hypothesis surrounding his subsequent opponent, Blaydes firmly dismissed the notion of dealing with Ciryl Gane, one other potential contender for the interim title. “I really feel such as you guys are all making an attempt to edge me in direction of Gane, that’s not occurring,” Blaydes acknowledged. “I requested for him already prior to now, he missed that bus. If it’s not Aspinall, we’ll determine it out.”
Blaydes’ unwavering concentrate on securing a rematch with Aspinall underscores the importance of their unfinished enterprise and the potential for an exciting showdown between two prime heavyweights.
With the heavyweight division in a state of flux because of the undisputed champion Jon Jones’ harm restoration, the interim title bout between Aspinall and Blaydes could possibly be a pivotal second in shaping the way forward for the division. Because the UFC explores potential venues and dates, followers eagerly await the official announcement of this extremely anticipated rematch, which guarantees to be a conflict of titans within the octagon.
