MMA - UFC n°304
New customers only | Commercial content | 18+ age limit | T&Cs apply
Tom Aspinall vs Curtis Blaydes Prediction & Betting Tips - UFC n°304
by Devesh Jaganath | in MMA Predictions
In the UFC 304 co-main event, we will see interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall taking on Curtis Blaydes at Co-op Live in Manchester on Sunday morning. The champion has a UFC record of 14-3-0, while the challenger enters the match with a record of 18-4-0, 1NC. Let’s crunch the number and go through our prediction.
This match marks the first time in 11 years that an interim title will be defended in the UFC. While Jon Jones is still rightfully listed as the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, Aspinall is widely considered the best heavyweight in the world.
The Salford-born Aspinall has largely dominated the division since debuting in 2020 but has suffered one significant defeat in the Octagon, losing to this opponent in 2022 when he tore his MCL just 15 seconds into the fight.
Aspinall was handed the heavyweight title after Jones suffered a pectoral injury and his first challenge was to face Sergei Pavlovich. He rose to the challenge just one minute into the bout, knocking down the Russian before rendering him unconscious with his brutal ground and pound.
With that result, Aspinall became only the second heavyweight to win an interim championship after Ciryl Gane did so at UFC 265 with a victory against Derrick Lewis. The Brit has a slight height advantage over the challenger and is two years younger.
However, Curtis Blaydes does weigh a full four kilograms more than his opponent and possesses a 5cm reach advantage. He has been a part of the UFC since 2016 and came into the franchise with a 5-0 record.
Unfortunately, that record was brought to an end in his first-ever match in the UFC, where he suffered a TKO (doctor’s stoppage) by Francis Ngannou as he was unable to open his right eye.
Following victory over Cody East, Blaydes' win over Adam Milstead was later ruled a no-contest when he tested positive for marijuana but he was given the chance to break into the rankings again with a fight against Daniel Omielanczuk.
Blaydes won that bout and followed up with wins against Aleksei Oleinik, Mark Hunt and Alistair Overeem, which bumped him up to third in the division before he was again beaten by Ngannou, dropping a spot in the rankings.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
Tom Aspinall - Curtis Blaydes Key Points
- Tom Aspinall lands the most significant strikes per minute in the heavyweight division (7.72).
- Tom Aspinall has the shortest average fight time in the history of the UFC heavyweight division at 2:10.
- Tom Aspinall has won almost 80% of his matches by knockout.
- Tom Aspinall has never been taken down in the UFC.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
Our Tom Aspinall vs Curtis Blaydes Prediction
What we have here is the elite striking power of Aspinall going up against a purebred wrestler in Blaydes and if the challenger can get the champ on his back, he could come away with the victory.
However, Aspinall’s power is something to behold and he will have no intention of letting this match prolong. Our Tom Aspinall vs Curtis Blaydes prediction: Tom Aspinall wins!
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
Limited Offer. Currently at DraftKings
