Tag: Curtis Blaydes

USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings, July 30: Belal Muhammad, Tom Aspinall take No. 1 spots

Check out the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings following UFC 304 in Manchester, England.

Following UFC 304, the USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings required updating.

In the main event at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England, [autotag]Belal Muhammad[/autotag] had his crowning moment by dominating [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag] to become the new UFC welterweight champion.

Entering the week at No. 3 in the welterweight rankings, Muhammad’s title win places him at No. 1, knocking Edwards down one spot.

The co-feature produced an unprecedented move in the heavyweight rankings.

[autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag] successfully defended his interim heavyweight title by knocking out [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag] in just one minute. Aspinall is an active and dominant force in the heavyweight division, and he has overtaken [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag] for the No. 1 spot.

Jones, the current champion, has not fought in over 16 months, and his next fight in the works will not be a title unification bout. Aspinall has appeared three times since Jones’ heavyweight debut and has finished each opponent in the first round.

Check out all the latest pound-for-pound and divisional USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie rankings above.

Spinning Back Clique REPLAY: Belal Muhammad & Tom Aspinall’s UFC 304 title wins, UFC on ABC 7 preview, more

On “Spinning Back Clique,” our panel discusses UFC 304, previews UFC on ABC 7 in Abu Dhabi and much more.

Check out this week’s “Spinning Back Clique,” MMA Junkie’s weekly live show that takes a spin through the biggest topics in mixed martial arts.

This week’s panel of Brian “Goze” Garcia, Nolan King and Danny Segura will join host “Gorgeous” George Garcia live at noon ET (9 a.m. PT) to discuss and debate the following topics:

  • The UFC welterweight division has a new king. [autotag]Belal Muhammad[/autotag] defeated [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag] in a dominant decision win in the main event of UFC 304. This is a big shake up for the division. Who should be Muhammad’s first challenger? Where does Edwards go from here? We discuss.
  • In the co-main event of UFC 304, [autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag] retained his UFC interim heavyweight title by stopping [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag] in just 60 seconds. Did Aspinall prove he’s the best heavyweight on the planet? How does this result impact the expected title fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic? We break down the Englishman’s win, along with the state of the heavyweight division.
  • Aside from Muhammad and Aspinall’s wins, there were other important results at UFC 304. [autotag]Paddy Pimblett[/autotag] viciously submitted veteran [autotag]Bobby Green[/autotag][autotag]. [autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag] continued his unbeaten run, but may have seen his UFC career come to an end. [autotag]Gregory Rodrigues[/autotag],[autotag] Nathaniel Wood[/autotag] and [autotag]Arnold Allen[/autotag] picked up important wins. We discuss it all.
  • UFC on ABC 7 goes down Saturday, and the UFC has brought many impressive matchups to Abu Dhabi. From its main event in [autotag]Cory Sandhagen[/autotag] vs. [autotag]Umar Nurmagomedov[/autotag], to [autotag]Tony Ferguson[/autotag]’s return, the panel previews all the action.
  •  Beyond UFC 304 in Manchester and the upcoming UFC Abu Dhabi, there has been plenty of news since the last Spinning Back Clique episode. We highlight the biggest headlines to close out the show.

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Curtis Blaydes makes ‘no excuses’ for UFC 304 loss to Tom Aspinall, admits he ‘got greedy’

Curtis Blaydes is taking full accountability from straying from his strategy in defeat to Tom Aspinall at UFC 304.

[autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag] is taking full accountability from straying from his strategy in defeat to Tom Aspinall at UFC 304.

Blaydes (18-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) saw his opportunity to become interim heavyweight champion blow up inside 60 seconds when he was rocked by Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) early in their rematch at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. The fight was stopped after he went facedown on the canvas and covered up, though he wasn’t put out cold.

After initially protesting the stoppage with some frustration, Blaydes has already moved on to acceptance. He issued a statement Sunday on social media and made “no excuses,” admitting that he got overzealous after tagging Aspinall in an early exchange (via Facebook):

Sorry guys, I got greedy when I touched him early and threw out the amazing gameplay that my coaches Vinnie Lopez Cody Donovan came up with that would’ve worked I’m sure of it. No excuses Tom was on point tonight 😪 I know this isn’t the end of my journey but damnit, I know I’m better than tonight’s performance. I appreciate all the support truly it’s been an eye opening experience to have so many ppl rocking with me 🤙🏾

UFC 304 marked Blaydes’ first appearance in a UFC title fight of any sort in his 18th promotional appearance. He already has fought the majority of the top heavyweights on the roster, and it’s unclear what his next move will be.

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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.

UFC 304 Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay: Leon Edwards, Tom Aspinall lead with $42,000

Leon Edwards and Tom Aspinall fetched maximum $42,000 payouts under the Promotional Guidelines Compliance for entering UFC 304 with belts.

MANCHESTER, England – Fighters from Saturday’s UFC 304 event took home UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance pay totaling $307,500.

The program, a comprehensive plan that includes outfitting requirements, media obligations and other items under the fighter code of conduct, replaces the previous payments made under the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy.

UFC 304 took place at Co-op Live. The main card aired on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and ESPN+.

The full UFC 304 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts included:

* * * *

[autotag]Belal Muhammad[/autotag]: $32,000
def. [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag]: $42,000

[autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag]: $42,000
def. [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag]: $32,000

[autotag]Paddy Pimblett[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]King Green[/autotag]: $21,000

[autotag]Gregory Rodrigues[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Christian Leroy Duncan[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Arnold Allen[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Giga Chikadze[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Nathaniel Wood[/autotag]: $11,000
def. [autotag]Daniel Pineda[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Bruna Brasil[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Molly McCann[/autotag]: $11,000

[autotag]Jake Hadley[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Caolan Loughran[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Muhammad Mokaev[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Manel Kape[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Oban Elliott[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Preston Parsons[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Modestas Bukauskas[/autotag]: $6,000
def. [autotag]Marcin Prachnio[/autotag]: $6,000

[autotag]Sam Patterson[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Kiefer Crosbie[/autotag]: $4,000

[autotag]Mick Parkin[/autotag]: $4,500
def. [autotag]Lukasz Brzeski[/autotag]: $4,500

[autotag]Shauna Bannon[/autotag]: $4,000
def. [autotag]Alice Ardelean[/autotag]: $4,000

Under the UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance program’s payout tiers, which appropriate the money generated by Venum’s multi-year sponsorship with the UFC, fighters are paid based on their total number of UFC bouts, as well as Zuffa-era WEC fights (January 2007 and later) and Zuffa-era Strikeforce bouts (April 2011 and later). Fighters with 1-3 bouts receive $4,000 per appearance; 4-5 bouts get $4,500; 6-10 bouts get $6,000; 11-15 bouts earn $11,000; 16-20 bouts pocket $16,000; and 21 bouts and more get $21,000. Additionally, champions earn $42,000 while title challengers get $32,000.

In addition to experience-based pay, UFC fighters will receive in perpetuity royalty payments amounting to 20-30 percent of any UFC merchandise sold that bears their likeness, according to officials.

Full 2024 UFC Promotional Guidelines Compliance payouts:

Year-to-date total: $4,575,500
2023 total: $8,188,000
2022 total: $8,351,500
2021 total: $6,167,500
Program-to-date total: $27,312,500

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.

UFC 304 live updates: Results, round-by-round coverage of every fight

Check out live round-by-round updates and official results from UFC 304 in Manchester, England.

UFC 304 took place Saturday at Co-op Live in Manchester, England, and MMA Junkie provided live round-by-round updates and official results throughout the event.

In the main event, welterweight champion [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag] (22-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC) met challenger [autotag]Belal Muhammad [/autotag](24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC). In the co-feature, interim heavyweight champ [autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag] (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) took on [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag] (18-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC). Both bouts were rematches of fights that ended with odd circumstances the first time around.

Check out our round-by-round updates and official results for UFC 304 below. Enjoy the fights, everyone.

UFC 304 fight card

MAIN CARD (ESPN+ pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)

  • Belal Muhammad def. Leon Edwards via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) – for welterweight title
  • Tom Aspinall def. Curtis Blaydes via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:00 – for interim heavyweight title
  • Paddy Pimblett def. King Green via technical submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 3:22
  • Gregory Rodrigues def. Christian Leroy Duncan via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Arnold Allen def. Giga Chikadze via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN2/ESPN+, 8 p.m. ET)

  • Nathaniel Wood def. Daniel Pineda via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-28)
  • Bruna Brasil def. Molly McCann via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Jake Hadley def. Caolan Loughran via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
  • Muhammad Mokaev def. Manel Kape via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)

  • Oban Elliott def. Preston Parsons via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
  • Modestas Bukauskas def. Marcin Prachnio via submission (arm triangle) – Round 3, 3:12
  • Sam Patterson def. Kiefer Crosbie via submission (arm triangle) – Round 1, 2:50
  • Mick Parkin def. Lukasz Brzeski via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 3:23
  • Shauna Bannon def. Alice Ardelean via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)

Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad

Round 1 – No glove touch here. Muhammad quickly takes the center and they begin finding the range. Muhammad darts in for a takedown and easily gets Edwards to the mat, almost silencing the crowd. Edwards tries to keep Muhammad wrapped up from the bottom, and he finds space to scramble back to his feet. Edwards reverses the clinch position and looks for his own takedown. The crowd is back into it now, chanting, “headshot, dead.” Edwards lands an elbow on the exit. They are trading punches in the center now. Edwards grabs a Thai clinch and digs a knee to the body. They reset, and a moment later Edwards sneaks in a nice uppercut. A body kick is not too far behind it. Muhammad keeps the forward pressure high, though. A hard left sneaks in. An uppercut rocks Edwards! The champ is trying to hide it. Muhammad recognizes it and completes a takedown. Muhammad lands ground and pound for a few seconds until the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Muhammad.

Round 2 – Edwards comes out with a hard kick to the body. A heated exchange of punches follows. Muhammad snaps a left jab as he presses forward. There’s the level change, and Muhammad works for a takedown. Edwards puts up a good defense, but Muhammad sticks with it and gets him down to a knee. He nearly gets the back too, but Edwards doesn’t stay here. Muhammad is relentless though, and woah! He slams Edwards on his head with a high crotch takedown! Edwards gets back to his feet for a split second. Muhammad with another high crotch! He’s on Edwards’s back now, trying to get a hook in. Edwards doesn’t allow it and gets back to his feet, but Muhammad is on him like glue and tries to drag him back to the mat. Edwards works through it and eventually reverses the clinch. Now Edwards drags Muhammad to the mat. Edwards is on the back, but there’s the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Muhammad.

Round 3 – Edwards fires a head kick, but it’s partially blocked. Muhammad gets back to the forward pressure. Another takedown for the challenger, but Edwards pops up quickly. Edwards gets in on the hips and gets a takedown. He scrambles to the back and looks for a choke. Muhammad defends well and doesn’t seem too concerned with a choke, but can’t get Edwards off his back as he racks up a lot of control time. Edwards starts punching to the body before the last seconds of the round tick away.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Edwards.

Round 4 – Muhammad gets right back to pressuring. Edwards goes for a big head kick, but Muhammad defends. A nice combination punctuated by a left from Edwards scores well. Muhammad still comes forward, and starts putting punches together as Edwards gets close to the fence. Muhammad shoots in and takes the back as Edwards is down on one knee against the fence. Muhammad punches to the head. The challenger adjusts and now has Edwards in the same position he was stuck in last round. Muhammad gets in a few short punches while maintaining control. Edwards scrambles and reverses position, ending up in guard with 30 seconds to go. Muhammad tries to get to his feet, and Edwards stick with him to take the back.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Muhammad.

Round 5 – Punching exchanges start the last five minutes. Edwards goes for a head kick, but it’s not there. Muhammad shoots but is denied. Muhammad stays in close, keeping busy with punches. Muhammad changes levels and takes the back. Muhammad has a body triangle locked in and is fully in control. Midway through the round now. Muhammad adds a couple of punches from the back. Less than two minutes. Muhammad still in control from the back, just touching Edwards with short punches. One minute left. Edwards reverses with 40 seconds to go. A big elbow for Edwards slices a big cut on Muhammad! Blood is pouring everywhere. Edwards gets in a few more punches right before the horn, and that’s it.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Edwards, but the fight goes to Muhammad 48-47.

Result: Belal Muhammad def. Leon Edwards via unanimous decision (48-47, 48-47, 49-46) – for welterweight title
Recap: UFC 304 results: Belal Muhammad upsets Leon Edwards in dominant performance
Photos: Belal Muhammad def. Leon Edwards at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Edwards (22-4 MMA, 14-3 UFC), Muhammad (24-3 MMA, 15-3 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Mike Beltran
Judging: Ben Cartlidge (48-47), Derek Cleary (48-47), Clemens Werner (49-46)

Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes

Round 1 – They touch ’em up and begin sizing each other up. Blaydes lands a right hand in a 1-2 combo. Another right for Blaydes. Both land punches as Aspinall closes in to clinch. Aspinall looks for a takedown but lets go. Aspinall eats another punch from Blaydes and takes a step back. He then sets up for a 1-2, but the left sends Blaydes stumbling back! The right hand misses, but Aspinall rushes in to follow up! Blaydes turns to his stomach and Aspinall punches until the referee stops the fight. Wow!

Result: Tom Aspinall def. Curtis Blaydes via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:00 – for interim heavyweight title
Recap: UFC 304 results: Tom Aspinall quickly knocks out Curtis Blaydes, calls out Jon Jones
Photos: Tom Aspinall def. Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC), Blaydes (18-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Marc Goddard

King Green vs. Paddy Pimblett

Round 1 – Pimblett opens up with leg kicks as the crowd loudly chants his name. A left hand from Pimblett connects. Another leg kick from Pimblett. Green rushes forward with a combination. They reset, and Green side kicks to the lead leg. Green punches to the body and Pimblett responds with a leg kick. Green starts talking to his corner and Pimblett, inviting him to kick the leg again. Green changes levels for a takedown, but Pimblett quickly wraps up Green in a triangle, and it’s deep! Green tries to fight through it but Pimblett adjusts and it’s fully locked in now. Green can’t get out. Pimblett rolls him over, adding an armbar. But Green is out cold! Wow. The crowd goes nuts as the referee waves the fight off. What a huge statement by Pimblett.

Result: Paddy Pimblett def. King Green via technical submission (triangle choke) – Round 1, 3:22
Recap: UFC 304 results: Paddy Pimblett sleeps King Green with beautiful triangle choke
Photos: Paddy Pimblett def. King Green at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Green (32-16-1 MMA, 13-11-1 UFC), Pimblett (22-3 MMA, 6-0 UFC)
Division: Lightweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Lukasz Bosacki

Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues

Round 1 – They touch gloves, and CLD gets right to the action with a sharp jab as he pressures forward. Rodrigues blitzes with a hard combination that prompts CLD to retreat and circle away to reset. Another 1-2 for Rodrigues gets in. CLD darts forward and lands a short elbow. He backs away and lands an inside leg kick. Rodrigues mixes things up with a single leg takedown and gets to work on the mat. Rodrigues tries to transition as he lands a few short elbows to the head and punches to the body. A large hematoma begins to grow on CLD’s forehead. CLD tries to scramble to his feet, but Rodrigues floats well and maintains a top position. Rodrigues lands a few short elbows from a front headlock position before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Rodrigues.

Round 2 – Another touch of gloves, and CLD fires off an inside leg kick. CLD kicks outside, but Rodrigues counters with a fast combo. CLD looks for the clinch, and eats a knee to the body. He sticks with it though, getting Rodrigues into the fence. CLD drops down and nearly lifts Rodrigues, but doesn’t get him up. They separate, and there’s a hard exchange of strikes, including a spinning elbow from CLD. Now Rodrigues is on the hips, looking for a takedown. CLD threatens a kimura as Rodrigues gets to the back, and the position battle continues. The referee surprisingly decides to separate the fighters, despite being active. Back in the center, punches fly in a heated exchange before CLD clinches again. Rodrigues lands nicely and CLD is hurt. A big right hand from Rodrigues. CLD is wobbled! Both are bleeding now. Rodrigues takes control on the ground until the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Rodrigues.

Round 3 – One round to go, and Rodrigues immediately gets back to forward pressure. CLD grabs Rodrigues after getting caught with another big punch. Rodrigues reverses and lifts CLD up for a big slam to the mat. CLD pops up though, and the clinch battle against the cage is on again. The referee steps in closely, seemingly ready to break it up quickly again. Rodrigues gets a hold of CLD’s leg. CLD attempts to jump and spin with a kick off his plant leg, but misses. Now Rodrigues is on the back, looking to get a choke in. The referee is still threatening to stand up the fight, despite Rodrigues being on CLD’s back. Blood is all over the place right now. Less than a minute to go, Rodrigues punches and elbows to keep the referee away while maintaining control until the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Rodrigues, giving him the fight 30-27.

Result: Gregory Rodrigues def. Christian Leroy Duncan via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Recap: UFC 304 results: Gregory Rodrigues outgrapples a bloodied Christian Leroy Duncan
Photos: Gregory Rodrigues def. Christian Leroy Duncan at UFC 304: Best photos
Gregory Rodrigues def. Christian Leroy Duncan at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Duncan (10-2 MMA, 3-2 UFC), Rodrigues (16-5 MMA, 7-2 UFC)
Division: Middleweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Dan Movahedi
Judging: Derek Cleary, David Lethaby, Anders Ohlsson

Arnold Allen vs. Giga Chikadze

Round 1 – Chikadze starts it off with a pair of hard right kicks. A body kick, followed by a leg kick and another high kick. Chikadze is on fire early. Allen slows the action by charging forward with punches. The offense stalls for a bit as Allen circles. Chikadze punches and goes high with a kick. Allen just misses with a combination. Chikadze catches air with a big wheel kick. Allen kicks to the body. Chikadze lands a sharp right down the pipe. Allen finds a home for a nice left hand. The crowd’s chants echo throughout the arena as they circle around the cage. Allen lands a powerful left hand. Chikadze lands a right hand. Chikadze just misses fully connecting with a flying knee, but it still catches Allen off balance. Allen gets up and lands a front kick to the face just before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Chikadze.

Round 2 – Allen comes out, circling all over the cage. Chikadze attempts another wheel kick that misses the target. Allen lands an inside leg kick and a punch to the body, but Chikadze also lands a sharp punch. They exchange leg kicks. Allen gets in a fast 1-2 combo. Then Allen cracks with a hard left hand, briefly buckling Chikadze. Allen’s on the hunt now and lands another combo. A high kick from Chikadze is blocked. Another a moment later partially lands. Allen responds with a left hand. Chikadze is on the outside circling now. Allen connects with another left. Chikadze answers with one of his own. A powerful combo lands for Allen as Chikadze looks for a kick. Chikadze digs in with a leg kick. They trade punches upstairs, and then high kicks in the closing seconds.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Allen.

Round 3 – Allen works behind a right jab as he circles to the same side. Chikadze looks for a right head kick as Allen charges forward with a left hand. Chikadze’s nose is very bloody as Allen continues to connect with punches. Allen mixes in a punch to the body as he chases Chikadze. A body kick gets in for Chikadze. Two minutes to go, and Allen lands a left. Chikadze responds with another kick to the body. Allen lands again with a punch. Allen lands a hook, sparking a combination. Chikadze’s offensive output has slowed, as Allen’s pressure is heavy. Chikadze threatens a spinning attack, but Allen keeps his defense tight. Allen continues to chase Chikadze around the cage, landing more punches and a jumping switch knee before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Allen, giving him the fight 29-28.

Result: Arnold Allen def. Giga Chikadze via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Recap: UFC 304 results: Arnold Allen elects to stand, outpoints Giga Chikadze in fun battle
Photos: Arnold Allen def. Giga Chikadze at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Allen (20-3 MMA, 11-2 UFC), Chikadze (15-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: Pay-per-view
Referee: Marc Goddard
Judging: Ben Cartlidge, Mark Collett, Anders Ohlsson

Daniel Pineda vs. Nathaniel Wood

Round 1 – Wood starts firing a few outside leg kicks. Pineda quickly shoots in, but doesn’t complete the takedown. Wood gets back to leg kicks, firing off a pair. Pineda kicks to the legs too. A jab from Wood lands. A right front kick to the stomach puts Pineda down! Wood decides to follow him to the ground and gets stuck in guard. Pineda has plenty of time to recover here, and eventually transitions to take top position. As the final seconds tick away, Pineda stands up and rains down a few hard punches before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Wood.

Round 2 – Both fighters come out swinging; Wood with cleaner strikes, Pineda with looping hooks. Wood lands clean to the right side of Pineda’s face. Pineda immediately covers up his right eye and turns away. Swelling is very apparent in the area, but Pineda swings back to keep Wood away and stay in the fight. A front kick from Wood kicks right on or slightly below the belt line, and Pineda is given some time to recover for a low strike. The fight resumes and Pineda digs in a nice leg kick. Wood responds with one of his own, and Pineda’s leg gives out. Pineda gets up and eats a hard punch, sending him stumbling backward. Wood doesn’t rush in, and Pineda gets to his feet. They clinch briefly, but Wood disengages. Wood clips Pineda with a left and Pineda stumbles. Another left sends Pineda to the ground! The finish seems near! Wood decides to…get in Pineda’s guard until the round ends?

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8 for Wood.

Round 3 – Between rounds the doctor checks the right eye of Pineda, which looks pretty bad. He’s allowed to continue, though. The fight is on for five more minutes, and the exchanges pick up on the feet. Wood gets a body lock, but Pineda rolls through to threaten a kneebar. With Wood nearly on his back in an awkward position, Pineda smashes him in the face with a sneaky back elbow. They scramble, and Pineda ends up in top half. Pineda does well to keep the position and gets in a couple of short strikes. Wood tries to get to his knees, but has to stop because of guillotine and D’arce choke threats.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Pineda, but the fight goes to Wood, 29-27.

Result: Nathaniel Wood def. Daniel Pineda via unanimous decision (29-27, 29-27, 29-28)
Photos: Nathaniel Wood def. Daniel Pineda at UFC 304: Best photos
Nathaniel Wood def. Daniel Pineda at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Pineda (28-16 MMA, 5-7 UFC), Wood (21-6 MMA, 8-3 UFC)
Division: Featherweight
Broadcast: ESPN2/ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Judging: David Lethaby (29-27), Darryl Ransom (29-27), Clemens Werner (29-28)

Bruna Brasil vs. Molly McCann

Round 1 – McCann quickly takes the center and is met by an outside leg kick that spins her around. Brasil kicks to the body nicely and circles away. The crowd begins chanting for McCann as she pressures Brasil. A nice right hand from McCann followed by swinging hooks that miss. Both kick at the same time, but Brasil’s knee goes straight into McCann’s groin and we have a break in the action. A massive swelling is apparent on McCann’s forehead during the pause as well. We’re back to it, and they get right back to trading. Brasil is sharp with knees, keeping McCann at bay. Brasil lands a left and circles. She’s sticking and moving very well right now. McCann keeps following, though. McCann closes in and Brasil connects with a hard knee to the body, folding her over. Brasil doesn’t follow, and allows her to stand up. A moment later, Brasil digs in with another heavy kick to the body. McCann folds over again. Brasil stays patient though. Now she rushes in and grabs a Thai clinch. More knees dig in. McCann gets a hold of her though. Brasil gets out of the clinch and digs in another knee. McCann tries for a takedown but gets reversed. Brasil is on top and tries to take the back. She gives up on it and stands, but McCann gets up looks for a takedown of her own.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-8 for Brasil.

Round 2 – McCann charges forward with punches, but Brasil is light on her feet and evades. McCann steps in with a left that is partially blocked. Brasil fires off a sharp punch. McCann changes levels for the takedown, looking for a single leg. It’s not there for her, and the clinch battle is on. Both get in knees to the body. McCann then lifts and dumps Brasil to the canvas. McCann backs out as Brasil threw her legs up. Back on the feet, McCann’s punch leads to another clinch against the fence. Foot stomps from McCann now. Brasil gets the hip toss and begins working from full guard with a minute to go. McCann does well to keep her wrapped up and pushes off. We’re back to standing. McCann spins with a punch, but it’s a wild one, and Brasil lands a hard punch, dropping McCann.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Brasil.

Round 3 – McCann comes out with heavy pressure, looking to land punches. She looks for the takedown, but Brasil reverses and scrambles to take top position. McCann gets her feet on the hips and pushes off. Back to standing and McCann is going for it with big punches. McCann lands a couple of big strikes. Brasil eats them, and lands a big knee followed by a takedown. Two minutes to go and Brasil is in guard. McCann attempts to scramble up, but gets her back taken. McCann works her way up as Brasil slides off, and immediately jumps on Brasil’s back to threaten a choke. She gets too high and slides off, and Brasil is back to top position. Brasil gets on the back again in the closing seconds, and the fight concludes after a final scramble for position.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Brasil, giving her the fight 30-26.

Result: Bruna Brasil def. Molly McCann via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Recap: UFC 304 results: Bruna Brasil punishes Molly McCann en route to upset win
Photos: Bruna Brasil def. Molly McCann at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Brasil (10-4-1 MMA, 2-2 UFC), McCann (14-7 MMA, 7-6 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN2/ESPN+
Referee: Dan Movahedi
Judging: Ben Cartlidge (30-27), Anders Ohlsson (29-28), Clemens Werner (30-27)

Jake Hadley vs. Caolan Loughran

Round 1 – Hadley opens the action with an inside leg kick. Another soon follows. Loughran looks for a punch to the body. Hadley swings and connects with a big punch. An inside leg kick behind it. Loughran slowly paces forward behind a left jab. Hadley kicks inside again. Hadley jabs on the outside as he circles to his left. Loughran puts together a nice combination. Single punches continue to be exchanged, with neither fighter putting a lot behind their strikes with a minute to go. Almost a sparring feel here as they circle around the octagon.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Hadley.

Round 2 – Loughran takes the center quickly and fires off punches first. Hadley counters, and Loughran shoots in. Hadley defends and circles off the cage. Hadley fires a right jab and kicks inside. Another right jab to a kick combo for Hadley. Loughran rips a right hand to the body. He then slips a punch and lands a solid right hook. They’re exchanging at a steady clip now. Both fighters landing. Hadley connects with a left but a kick from Loughran goes low at the same time and we have a pause in the action. After a 94-second break, we’re back to it. Single strikes are exchanged before Loughran shoots in. He nearly complete a single leg, but Hadley scrambles out. A moment later, Loughran gets the fight to the ground and begins working from half guard, but there’s only a few seconds left.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Loughran.

Round 3 – They get right back into trading punches. Loughran presses forward, and sees his opening for a takedown attempt. Hadley defends it nicely and the clinch battle is on. Hadley lands a beautiful elbow on the exit. A sharp right jab soon follows. They’re trading again at a high clip, but not much power on display. Hadley adds the inside leg kick as he circles. The right jab connects. Loughran kicks to the inside of the leg now. As the time ticks away, they continue to exchange leg kicks. Loughran presses forward with a right hand just before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Hadley, giving him the fight 29-28.

Result: Jake Hadley def. Caolan Loughran via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Photos: Jake Hadley def. Caolan Loughran at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Hadley (11-3 MMA, 3-3 UFC), Loughran (9-2 MMA, 1-2 UFC)
Division: Bantamweight
Broadcast: ESPN2/ESPN+
Referee: Lukasz Bosacki
Judging: Derek Cleary (29-28), Mark Collett (30-27), David Lethaby (30-27)

Manel Kape vs. Muhammad Mokaev

Round 1 – The tensions boiled over right before the fight began, as Mokaev and Kape nearly scrapped before introductions. We’re off to it, and Mokaev rushed across the cage to start. However, things immediately slow down. Weird. Anyway, a front kick from Mokaev. Another kick from Mokaev a few moments later. And another. The pace is not matching the pre-fight intensity. Single strikes from both as both appear timid. Mokaev kicks high, but it’s blocked. Kape kicks to the legs. Kape has the forward pressure on, but isn’t offering. Now he blitzes with punches and a flying knee. Mokaev resets but Kape follows and lands a very nice combination that appears to hurt Mokaev.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Kape.

Round 2 – About 30 seconds in, Mokaev charges forward with a knee and a punch as Kape circles away. Mokaev kicks high, and partially connects. Kape backs away and grabs at his foot. Commentary seems to believe they see a broken toe. Kape is clearly favoring his right foot, but tries to keep fighting. Mokaev shoots in for a takedown, and gets it, but Mokaev clearly pulls Kape’s shorts, nearly ripping them. Kape complains, and the referee pauses the fight. Mike Beltran tears into Mokaev for doing that, but doesn’t take a point. While Mokaev gets a stern talking to, Kape has to fix the drawstring on his shorts before the fight resumes. Kape catches a kick, and Mokaev appears to scrape the eyes. Kape turns away, but Beltran didn’t see the poke, and doesn’t stop the fight. Mokaev charges in, but Kape turns at the last second to defend. Kape is back to the forward pressure, looking to land punches. Mokaev lands a couple of kicks. A left hand from Kape connects.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Mokaev.

Round 3 – The doctor checks on Kape’s toe between rounds, but is allowed to continue. Mokaev slaps with a head kick. As Kape charges in, Mokaev changes levels, but aborts the takedown. Mokaev lands a counter as Kape charges forward. Kape nicely sprawls a takedown attempt and gets right back up to pressure on the feet. He fires off a quick punching combination. They circle around the cage and Kape lands a left. Mokaev shoots in and Kape locks on a guillotine. It’s more of a holding position right now. Mokaev eventually pops his head out, and Kape unloads a series of elbows to the top of the head. Mokaev looks to stay heavy on top, but Kape sneaks in low and rolls for a kneebar. It’s not there, but it’s good enough to get the fight back to standing. Kape is back on the forward charge and Mokaev looks for a takedown before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Mokaev, giving him the fight 29-28.

Result: Muhammad Mokaev def. Manel Kape via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)
Recap: UFC 304 results: Rivalry fizzles as Muhammad Mokaev beats Manel Kape in lackluster affair
Photos: Muhammad Mokaev def. Manel Kape at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Kape (19-7 MMA, 4-3 UFC), Mokaev (13-0 MMA, 7-0 UFC)
Division: Flyweight
Broadcast: ESPN2/ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Judging: Derek Cleary (29-28), Anders Ohlsson (30-27), Darryl Ransom (29-28)

Oban Elliott vs. Preston Parsons

Round 1 – They touch up the gloves and get to it. Elliott opens up with a spinning kick that misses the mark. Parsons gets to the clinch, looking for a takedown. They jockey for position against the fence. Back and forth they go, and eventually separate. Elliott fires off a left jab and then looks for a spinning kick to the body. Parsons fires off a combo and spins with a kick too. Elliott wheel kicks, but it’s blocked. Elliott starts a combination, but a Parsons counter kick trips him up. Elliott bounces up into a clinch. Nothing is there again and they return to the center. Exchanging punches in the center, Elliott lands a nice one. Parsons shoots, but is stuffed by solid takedown defense. The round comes to a close in the clinch.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Elliott.

Round 2 – Parsons comes out with an inside kick and punches upstairs. Elliott circles and lands a punch of his own. Parsons shoots again, but is denied. The clinch battle against the fence is on again. They separate and return to the center. Parsons lands a nice double jab. Elliott responds with a combo. Parsons is in deep on a well-timed shot, but wow, Elliott’s defense on the takedowns is stellar. They’re back in the center trading punches. Elliott has the clinch now, and drags Parsons down as the crowd begins to chant. Parsons gets back up to his feet, and we’re back to the striking game. Parsons kicks outside to the leg, but eats a counter left hand. One minute to go now, and Parsons shoots in again. Elliott defends and grabs a kimura. Parsons rolls through it, scrambles, and we’re back to a clinch against the cage.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Elliott.

Round 3 – Elliott lands a quick 1-2. He leads the dance with punches before Parsons shoots in. It’s defended well once again, but Parsons tries to scramble to keep it alive. Eventually Elliott gets back up to his feet, and lets his hands go. A sharp 1-2 lands for Elliott. He lands another flurry of punches. The clinch battle is on again against the cage. Elliott separates and returns to the middle, working behind a left jab. Parsons looks to land a few kicks, but comes up with air. Elliott lands a nice punch and gets in on a clinch. He disengages and lands a short elbow. Another shot from Parsons is stopped initially, but he adjusts and finally gets him to the mat. However, Elliott immediately throws up an armbar, forcing Parsons to defend. Just 30 seconds to go, and Elliott gets back up to his feet. Parsons looks for short punches in the clinch before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Elliott, giving him the fight 30-27.

Result: Oban Elliott def. Preston Parsons via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Photos: Oban Elliott def. Preston Parsons at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Elliott (11-2 MMA, 2-0 UFC), Parsons (11-5 MMA, 2-3 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Dan Movahedi
Judging: Derek Cleary (30-27), Mark Collett (29-28), David Lethaby (30-27)

Modestas Bukauskas vs. Marcin Prachnio

Round 1 – Prachnio starts off looking to land a few leg kicks. He goes to them repeatedly, really digging in with a right that buckles Bukauskas’ leg. The focus on kicks continues for Prachnio as Bukauskas looks for punches upstairs. Bukauskas lands a solid kick to the body and cracks with a left hand. Prachnio lands a beautiful punch to the body followed by a overhand left. Somehow Bukauskas just eats it. Bukauskas turns up the forward pressure as he lets his hands go. They end up clinched after an exchange, Bukauskas pushing Prachnio into the cage. A spinning elbow partially connects for Bukauskas on the exit. Bukauskas wobbles Prachnio with a punch! He blitzes to follow up, but Prachnio circles away and resets. Prachnio threatens a few spinning attacks, but doesn’t commit. Bukauskas steps in for a big right hand. One more big rush of punches from Bukauskas before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Bukauskas.

Round 2 – A wild exchange starts the round. Prachnio continues to look for kicks, but Bukauskas lands with power punches. Prachnio lands a punch to the body. A moment later, he swings wildly with an overhand right, taking himself off balance. Bukauskas lands a nice left followed by a crushing right hand that rocks Prachnio! The rush is on again for Bukauskas against the fence! Woah! Prachnio throws up a head kick and wobbles Bukauskas! Now Prachnio is looking to capitalize! Bukauskas is able to get a hold of him and keeps the clinch against the cage. What a crazy moment. Just under two minutes to go and they’re back in the center. Bukauskas gets a body lock and completes the takedown. Bukauskas postures up for a few heavy punches. Now he transitions to side control and threatens a kimura. Prachnio gets back to guard, and works his way up to standing just before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Bukauskas.

Round 3 – Prachnio comes out on fire! He’s just blitzing with hooks and tagging Bukauskas! Somehow, Bukauskas gets a hold of him again and gets a takedown. Bukauskas stays heavy, looking to transition. The referee calls for action, and Bukauskas punches to the head and body. Bukauskas with a couple of short elbows now. An arm triangle is there, but doesn’t go for it. Prachnio’s arm is still there, and now Bukauskas looks to lock it in. The squeeze is on, and there’s the tap! What an end to a wild fight.

Result: Modestas Bukauskas def. Marcin Prachnio via submission (arm triangle) – Round 3, 3:12
Recap: UFC 304 video: Modestas Bukauskas resorts to ground game to finish game Marcin Prachnio
Photos: Modestas Bukauskas def. Marcin Prachnio at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Bukauskas (16-6 MMA, 4-4 UFC), Prachnio (17-8 MMA, 4-6 UFC)
Division: Light heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard

Kiefer Crosbie vs. Sam Patterson

Round 1 – Crosbie starts the action with a calf kick. A few punches from both follow, with Crosbie adding another calf kick. Patterson puts together a very sharp, fast combination. Crosbie goes inside with a kick, and it strays a little too high. The action is paused for a moment, but Patterson is ready to go. He unloads another sharp combination on the restart. Crosbie counters and clinches. However, Patterson gets the takedown. Patterson quickly slaps on an arm triangle and it’s deep. Crosbie is in big trouble here. Patterson adjusts, steps off to the side, and really sinks it in. There’s the tap! Wow. What a performance by Patterson!

Result: Sam Patterson def. Kiefer Crosbie via submission (arm triangle) – Round 1, 2:50
Recap: UFC 304 video: Sam Patterson chokes out Kiefer Crosbie in first round
Photos: Sam Patterson def. Kiefer Crosbie at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Crosbie (10-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC), Patterson (12-2-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC)
Division: Welterweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Lukasz Bosacki

Lukasz Brzeski vs. Mick Parkin

Round 1 – They get right into it, trading heavy punches. Brzeski is aggressive early here. Parkin weathers the early offense, and gets in a few solid counters himself. Now they’re settled in, and the pace slows. Brzeski works on the outside and continues to fire off first. Parkin gets it going with a solid combination. Brzeski gets in a quick high kick, but Parkin responds with a hard right hand. The pace picks up again and they’re trading. Parkin clips Brzeski with an overhand right. Oh! He’s wobbled! A little delayed reaction there, and Parkin rushes in with hooks. Boom. Brzeski is down! Parkin with a few more punches and the ref rushes in. Parkin gets his first finish in the UFC!

Result: Mick Parkin def. Lukasz Brzeski via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 3:23
Recap: UFC 304 video: Mick Parkin flattens Lukasz Brzeski for first-round knockout
Photos: Mick Parkin def. Lukasz Brzeski at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Brzeski (10-4-1 MMA, 1-3 UFC), Parkin (9-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC)
Division: Heavyweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Marc Goddard

Alice Ardelean vs. Shauna Bannon

Round 1 – Bannon immediately darts across the cage and side kicks Ardelean. The striking exchanges start going at a fast clip. Both offering punches and connecting. Bannon throws up a few different kicking techniques, but Ardelean defends well. Ardelean gets a hold of Bannon for a takedown, and immediately grabs the fence. Referee warns her repeatedly, but just keeps grabbing. Ardelean gets the takedown anyway. Bannon throws up a few submission attacks from her back as Ardelean stays heavy. Ardelean finds a little space to get in some punches, but Bannon keeps attacking submissions, this time an armbar. Bannon gets her rolled over. Ardelean is fully focused on defense now. She gets back to guard, but Bannon keeps attacking with elbows.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Bannon.

Round 2 – They trade punches right off the bat. Bannon circles on the outside, staying light on her feet. Ardelean looks for an overhand right but Bannon evades and gets in a nice head kick. Bannon looks for a hip throw in the center of the cage, but Ardelean wasn’t having it. Back to trading punches, Ardelean lands a nice right. Bannon responds with a blitz of punches that gets a crowd reaction. Ardelean clinches against the cage. A few short punches and knees are exchanged as Bannon is pinned against the fence. Ardelean adjusts and gets the outside trip takedown into side control. Ardelean gets a headlock as Bannon attempts to escape out of the back. Bannon gets out and lands a couple of punches right before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-9 for Bannon.

Round 3 – Bannon blitzes forward with a punch-kick combo. Another 1-2 combo followed by a side kick for Bannon. And she adds another. It’s all Bannon right now, landing another nice combination. Ardelean smiles, but isn’t responding with offense. Bannon charges with a combo. Ardelean lands a solid right hand. They’re trading now. A solid left connects for Ardelean. Bannon threatens the side kick again. Another blitz of punches from Bannon, who continues to rack up the striking numbers. Ardelean eats another combo. Bannon blitzes again, this time Ardelean counters. The fight is paused for a piece of loose tape on Ardelean’s gloves. Back to the action, Bannon lands a slick head kick. Bannon blitzes again and the crowd is getting into it a bit. Bannon is really loose now and eats a left from Ardelean just before the horn.

MMA Junkie scores the round 10-0 for Bannon, giving her the fight 30-27.

Result: Shauna Bannon def. Alice Ardelean via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
Photos: Shauna Bannon def. Alice Ardelean at UFC 304: Best photos
Records: Ardelean (9-6 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Bannon (6-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC)
Division: Women’s strawweight
Broadcast: ESPN+
Referee: Mike Beltran
Judging: Mark Collett (30-27), Anders Ohlsson (29-28), Darryl Ransom (28-29)

UFC 304 predictions

Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad fight odds

  • BetMGM: Edwards -275, Muhammad +210
  • DraftKings: Edwards -258, Muhammad +210
  • FanDuel: Edwards -255, Muhammad +210

Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes fight odds

  • BetMGM: Aspinall -400, Blaydes +310
  • DraftKings: Aspinall -395, Blaydes +310
  • FanDuel: Aspinall -405, Blaydes +320

Bobby Green vs. Paddy Pimblett fight odds

  • BetMGM: Green -115, Pimblett -105
  • DraftKings: Green -118, Pimblett -102
  • FanDuel: Green -112, Pimblett -104

How to watch UFC 304

The UFC 304 early prelims will stream live on ESPN+ at 6 p.m. ET. Another set of prelims begin at 8 p.m. ET, which will air on ESPN2 and stream on ESPN+. The pay-per-view main cards kicks off at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN+.

UFC 304 PPV price

UFC 304 will cost ESPN+ subscribers $79.99. If you’re a new subscriber, you have the option of bundling UFC 304 in with the cost of an annual subscription at a 30 percent discounted price, bringing your total to $134.98.

What time does UFC 304 start?

UFC 304 kicks off with early prelims at 6 p.m. ET, followed by prelims at 8 p.m. ET and the main card at 10 p.m. ET.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.

UFC 304 results: Tom Aspinall quickly knocks out Curtis Blaydes, calls out Jon Jones

Tom Aspinall made quick work of Curtis Blaydes, who was not happy with the stoppage.

MANCHESTER, England – [autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag] made quick work of [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag], who was not happy with the stoppage.

Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) needed exactly one minute to snipe Blaydes (18-5 MMA, 13-5 UFC) with a crisp one-two combination to retain his interim title in Saturday’s co-main event at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. Aspinall was able to avenge his July 2022 loss to Blaydes, which came by TKO due to injury just 15 seconds into the fight.

Blaydes showed no intimidation standing with Aspinall, but it cost him after he was dropped with a straight left. Blaydes was already on his way down when Aspinall followed it with a right and a barrage of ground and pound, prompting Marc Goddard to waive the fight off. Despite Blaydes’ protest, he did not appear to intelligently defend himself.

Aspinall proceeded to call out heavyweight champion [autotag]Jon Jones[/autotag], who is expected to defend his title against Stipe Miocic November in New York.

Up-to-the-minute UFC 304 results include:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.

Tom Aspinall def. Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304: Best photos

Check out the best photos from Tom Aspinall’s first-round knockout win over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304.

Check out the best photos from [autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag]’s first-round knockout win over [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag] at UFC 304 at Co-op Live in Manchester, England. (Photos by Ben Roberts, Getty Images; UFC; MMA Junkie)

Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes prediction, pick: UFC 304 co-main ends in Round 1

The betting odds around Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes’ rematch is reason for pause, but the pick at UFC 304 remains clear.

MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom goes in-depth to break down the biggest fights in the UFC. Today, he takes a closer look at the UFC 304 main event between interim heavyweight champion [autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag] and [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag], who meet in a rematch of a July 2022 fight that ended with Blaydes winning by injury TKO after Aspinall blew out his knee in the opening moments.

Tom Aspinall UFC 304 preview

Tom Aspinall UFC 295 ceremonial weigh-ins

Staple info:

  • Record: 14-3 MMA, 7-1 UFC
  • Height: 6’5″ Age: 31 Weight: 261 lbs. Reach: 78″
  • Last fight: Knockout win over Sergei Pavlovich (Nov. 11, 2023)
  • Camp: Team Kaobon (England)
  • Stance/striking style: Orthodox/muay Thai
  • Risk management: Fair

Supplemental info:
+ Interim UFC heavyweight champion
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt
+ Multiple grappling accolades
+ Amateur MMA titles
+ 11 KO victories
+ 3 submission wins
+ 13 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Solid feints and footwork
^ Pivots, shifts stances, etc.
+ Good boxing technique
^ Fast hands and a good feel for counters
+ Heavy leg kicks
+ Serviceable wrestling ability
^ Defensively and offensively
^ Excellent grappling/finishing instincts from topside

Curtis Blaydes UFC 304 preview

Staple info:

  • Record: 18-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC
  • Height: 6’4″ Age: 33 Weight: 257 lbs. Reach: 80″
  • Last fight: Knockout win over Jailton Almeida (March 9, 2024)
  • Camp: Elevation Fight Team (Denver, Co.)
  • Stance/striking style: Orthodox/kickboxing
  • Risk management: Fair

Supplemental info:
+ NJCAA national heavyweight wrestling title
+ IKF national champ
+ Brazilian jiu-jitsu blue belt
+ 13 KO victories
+ 2 first-round finishes
+ KO power
+ Improved striking and footwork
^ Shifts stances/moves well off strikes
+ Solid jab from both sides
^ Variates to body/follows up well
+ Explosive power-double takedown
^ Changes level well
+ Strong inside the clinch
^ Bodylocks, trips, suplexes
+ Solid top game
^ Floats, wrist-rides, strikes

Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes point of interest: Striking the second time around

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 11: (R-L) Tom Aspinall of England punches Sergei Pavlovich of Russia in the interim UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 295 event at Madison Square Garden on November 11, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Given that their first fight didn’t last longer than a minute, it’s hard to take too much away from said encounter. Blaydes was able to land some counters on an ultra-aggressive Aspinall, but the Englishman sustained a leg injury after the first few stanzas.

With that in mind, I’ll be curious to see if Aspinall is more measured this time around.

Although Aspinall was indoctrinated into martial arts through the world of jiu-jitsu (thanks to his father), the 31-year-old phenom has seamlessly picked up on the striking side of the sport.

Training out of Team Kaobon, Aspinall embodies a similar swagger to his stablemate, Darren Till. And though Aspinall will sometimes show a southpaw stance, the Wigan native primarily operates out of orthodox, applying a style that is all his own.

Typically taking the front foot from the jump, Aspinall wastes little time when it comes to poking and prodding his opposition with everything from lightning-fast straight punches to thudding low kicks. And when Aspinall’s eyes pick up on a counter opening mid-exchange, the Englishman always keeps a whipping right hand on a hair trigger.

Aspinall also has some nice knees and elbows that he keeps on a counter-balancing hair trigger, but he’ll need to be careful of the counters Blaydes showed snippets of in their first outing.

Despite coming from a wrestling base, Blaydes is no stranger to kickboxing, showing solid fight-to-fight improvements each time out.

Blaydes moves well for a big man, demonstrating the ability to shift his stance to take angles that encourage corralling scenarios. Not losing sight of his fundamentals, Blaydes does a decent job of keeping his feet beneath him and moving his head off of strikes, smartly sprinkling in feints and hip fakes along the way.

Whether Blaydes is working behind his jab or rolling his head off of his crosses, his time spent training at the Elevation Fight Team has really come through in recent years. However, as we have seen in all of his losses, Blaydes is not beyond being countered for his engagements and will need to be on his best behavior here.

Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes breakdown: Potential grappling threats

Mar 26, 2022; Columbus, Ohio, UNITED STATES; Curtis Blaydes (red gloves) fights Chris Daukaus (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Given Blaydes’ on-paper edge in the wrestling realm, I’ll be curious to see if the American looks to get back to his hallmark attacks.

A junior college wrestling champion, Blaydes carries a potent wrestling style that translates well to MMA – particularly at heavyweight.

Showing all the signs of an aggressive grappler since his days on the collegiate wrestling mat, Blaydes has always appeared to have a direct approach toward closed-quarter combat. Whether he is re-wrestling for underhooks, looking for mat returns, or implementing his patented blast-double takedown, Blaydes can execute offense like second nature (even when under heavy fire).

That said, I’ll be curious to see what kind of resistance the American encounters.

Growing up on the jiu-jitsu mats under the care of his father, Aspinall knows a thing or two about grappling. Sure, jiu-jitsu is obviously not the same art as wrestling, but Aspinall appears to be well-trained in the transitional department.

The English fighter has always appeared to have a solid reactionary sprawl in open space, but his comfortability off of his back appeared to cost him at times early on in his career.

Since then, Aspinall has been much more diligent about keeping his hips heavy and prioritizing superior position. And if his pressure doesn’t pull out a shot from his opponent, then Aspinall isn’t shy about changing his level and shooting a takedown of his own.

From topside, Aspinall parlays his aforementioned hips into dominant, fight-ending positions (showing an excellent passing ability in the process). But if Aspinall ends up underneath a heavy-handed fighter like Blaydes, then he’ll need to be urgent with his submission and scramble attempts.

Blaydes, like many wrestlers, does not play for your typical jiu-jitsu positions in hopes of finding a submission, as he’d seemingly rather dismantle opposition through punishing rides that see the Chicago native unleash strikes off smart wrist-feeds and controls. And whenever Blaydes gets his opponent’s back flat, hellacious, skull-splitting elbows aren’t usually far behind.

Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes odds

Despite technically losing last time out, public money continues to pour in on the English fighter as Aspinall is listed -440 and Blaydes +310 at the time of this writing, according to FanDuel.

Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes prediction, pick

Regardless of who won the first time around, seeing heavyweight MMA fights with betting lines north of a 2-to-1 spread always gets a suspicious squint out of me.

But between the current price tag on the previous winner to the fact that wrestling has always been a key ingredient for taking down hype trains, I don’t blame anyone for taking a shot on Blaydes in this spot.

I, however, have a harder time ignoring some of the wrestling inconsistencies from what is, oddly enough, one of the better wrestlers that the division has to offer.

From lacking takedowns opposite a knockout artist like Pavlovich to his questionable defensive lapses during the few times his fellow fighters decided to grapple him, Blaydes can be deceptively difficult to get a beat on.

For that reason, I’ll be semi-reluctantly sticking to my original pick from the first time around and will go with Aspinall to score a club-and-sub in Round 1.

Prediction: Aspinall inside the distance

Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes start time, where to watch

As the co-main event, Aspinall and Blaydes are expected to make their walks to the octagon at approximately 11:45 p.m. ET. The fight streams live on ESPN+ pay-per-view.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.

UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2 watch-along live stream with MMA Junkie Radio

Join MMA Junkie Radio’s “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” for a live-streamed watch-along of UFC 304 in Manchester, England.

The UFC is back in the U.K. with UFC 304, headlined by two title-fight rematches, and MMA Junkie Radio’s “Gorgeous” George and “Goze” will host a live-streamed watch-along right here, which kicks off at 8 p.m. ET.

In the main event, welterweight champion [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag] goes for his third title defense against [autotag]Belal Muhammad[/autotag]. And in the co-headliner, [autotag]Tom Aspinall [/autotag] defense the interim heavyweight title against [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag].

UFC 303 (pay-per-view/ESPN2/ESPN+) takes place Saturday at Co-op Live in Manchester, England.

Below is the lineup of fights included in the watch-along:

UFC 304 main card

  • Champ Leon Edwards vs. Belal Muhammad – for welterweight title
  • Interim champ Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes – for heavyweight title
  • King Green  vs. Paddy Pimblett
  • Christian Leroy Duncan vs. Gregory Rodrigues
  • Arnold Allen vs. Giga Chikadze

UFC 304 prelims

  • Daniel Pineda vs. Nathaniel Wood
  • Bruna Brasil vs. Molly McCann
  • Jake Hadley vs. Caolan Loughran
  • Modestas Bukauskas vs. Marcin Prachnio

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.

UFC 304 ‘Embedded,’ No. 6: ‘They can’t save you now!’

In the sixth and final episode of “Embedded,” you can feel the heat up close at the UFC 304 ceremonial weigh-ins.

The UFC is across the pond for UFC 304, and the popular “Embedded” fight week video series is here to document what’s happening behind the scenes.

UFC 304 (pay-per-view/ESPN/ESPN+) takes place Saturday at Co-op Live in Manchester, England.

In the main event, welterweight champion [autotag]Leon Edwards[/autotag] (22-3 MMA, 14-2 UFC) puts his belt on the line in a rematch with [autotag]Belal Muhammad[/autotag] (23-3 MMA, 14-3 UFC) three years after their first encounter ended in a no contest. And in the co-headliner, [autotag]Tom Aspinall[/autotag] (14-3 MMA, 7-1 UFC) defends the interim heavyweight championship in a rematch with [autotag]Curtis Blaydes[/autotag] (18-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) two years after a freak knee injury to Aspinall ended their first fight.

The sixth episode of “Embedded” follows the featured fighters while they get ready for fight week. Here is the UFC’s description of the episode from YouTube:

Curtis Blaydes has dinner before weigh ins; King Green has a cardio session; Belal Muhammad goes to a spa; UFC 304’s athletes weigh in for fight night.

Also watch:

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 304.