Jon Anik predicts a “boxing match” between Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304: “Could be a very quick fight"
Tom Aspinall will certainly hope his upcoming rematch with Curtis Blaydes plays out differently compared to their first clash at UFC London in 2022. The pair headlined the massive fight night card, with Aspinall suffering a torn ligament in his knee 15 seconds into Round 1.
However, the Mancunian bounced back from the devastating injury with two superb victories over Marcin Tybura and Sergei Pavlovich, whom he knocked out to win the interim heavyweight title at UFC 295.
Now Aspinall and Blaydes will compete for the interim title in the co-main event of UFC 304. Many expect 'Razor' to test the grappling skills of the interim champion, with Blaydes being arguably the division's best wrestler.
However, UFC commentator Jon Anik has predicted the fight to remain on the feet for as long as it lasts. Anik was recently interviewed by Mike Heck, where he said this:
"We'll see what Blaydes can do with the opportunity even though the first fight didn't give us a lot of film. Blaydes was certainly ready to go as far as his hands were concerned. I think Tom is going to be ready to go in any setting, I think he will be buoyed by the crowd... I think potentially it could be a very quick fight. I think it's gonna be a boxing match for as long as it lasts. I've been wrong before."
Watch Jon Anik preview Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes below (15:55):
Curtis Bladyes' wrestling may allow him to strike with Tom Aspinall says Dan Hardy
Former UFC title challenger turned analyst Dan Hardy recently broke down the UFC 304 co-main event clash between Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes.
The interim champion is viewed as the superior striker of the two. Hardy, however, believes that Blaydes could enjoy success on the feet given his wrestling credentials and the takedown threat he presents.
Blaydes secured a TKO victory in his previous clash against Jailton Almeida and will no doubt be confident in his own striking ability.
During a recent interview with Submission Radio, Hardy said:
"The threat of the wrestling will allow Curtis to stand and trade a little bit more with Tom. I think [Blaydes] is going to test [Aspinall's] striking and I think he'll do that because he knows if he goes out there and opens up straight away with wrestling that it's a little bit predictable, and Tom will be ready for it."
Watch Dan Hardy preview Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes below (5:25):