Tom Aspinall explains why Curtis Blaydes is tougher matchup than Jon Jones: “The guy is unreal”
Tom Aspinall will put his interim heavyweight title on the line against Curtis Blaydes in an exciting rematch in the co-main event of UFC 304 on 27 July. Despite fans' frustration at Aspinall not facing undisputed heavyweight champion Jon Jones, the Mancunian is eager to test his mettle against the division's toughest test.
Jones is widely regarded as the best MMA fighter of all time but during an interview ahead of his interim title clash with Blaydes, the 31-year-old explained why 'Razor' is a more difficult fight for him than 'Bones.'
The Blaydes is arguably the best wrestler in the division and is currently in the prime of his career, all contributing factors to the interim champion's previous claim.
Ahead of UFC 304, Aspinall spoke to Sky Sports, where he discussed both Blaydes and Jones, saying this:
"I think this is a tougher fight than Jon Jones... Curtis Blaydes is a well-established heavyweight. I'm not discrediting Jon at all, the guy is unreal... As a heavyweight, Curtis Blaydes has proven multiple times that he's elite. He's in his prime, Jon Jones isn't. So I think Blaydes is a tougher fight."
Watch Tom Aspinall's interview below (9:20):
Tom Aspinall vs. Curtis Blaydes is for the title of No.1 heavyweight in the world, says interim champ
Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes will face off for a second time on 27 July when they meet in the co-main event of UFC 304.
The pair previously headlined UFC London in 2022, where Aspinall suffered a torn ligament in his knee 15 seconds in Round 1, which saw Blaydes awarded a TKO win.
Their rematch will have much higher stakes, with the interim heavyweight championship on the line.
Despite Jon Jones holding the undisputed heavyweight title, the Mancunian believes that his clash with 'Razor' will determine the best heavyweight in the world.
'Bones' won the title in his heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 but is yet to defend the belt after withdrawing from his UFC 295 clash with Stipe Miocic due to injury.
Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich replaced the pair for the interim title, which was won by the Mancunian after securing a first-round knockout. Ahead of UFC 304, the interim champion said this:
"This fight is for the [title of] number one heavyweight in the world. Regardless of titles, which one's the undisputed and which one's the interim. The real people, the real fans, the real guys know this fight defines who's the best heavyweight in the world."
Watch Tom Aspinall's interview below (5:55):