Following a vicious KO loss in Manchester, Curtis Blaydes promised fans that ‘this isn’t the end of my journey’ towards UFC gold and glory.
Whilst there were plenty of ‘bad blood’ fights at UFC 304, both interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall and title challenger Curtis Blaydes conducted themselves with impeccable professionalism throughout the course of fight week – and now, in its immediate aftermath.
Curtis Blaydes issues statement following KO loss at UFC 304
Despite walking away from Manchester with another loss on his record, Blaydes has undoubtedly seen ‘stock’ rise through the roof, especially here in the UK as fans connected with his down-to-earth demeanor throughout the UFC 304 build-up.
To put it bluntly, Blaydes is one of the few genuine ‘nice guys’ in the sport and is considered by many to be a role model to both young fans and fighters who hope to one day, find the same global acclaim as the ever-sharp ‘Razor’.
Taking to Instagram after the KO loss, Blaydes was understandably frustrated that the gameplan went out the window so quickly against Aspinall but thanked his fanbase for their support as his title aspirations are put on hold once again.
“Sorry guys, I got greedy when I touched him early and threw out the amazing gameplay that my coaches Vinnie Lopez [and] Cody Donovan came up with that would’ve worked, I’m sure of it.
“No excuses Tom was on point tonight,” stated the American, who knows that he still has plenty more to offer the UFC heavyweight division moving forward; having celebrated his 33rd birthday earlier this year.
“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 [fans] rocking with me.”
Blaydes is now 18-5 as a professional and as of July 29, is the #4 ranked heavyweight in the world – part of the discussion online has been for ‘Razor’ to face the winner of Marcin Tybura vs Serghei Spivac next, which is set to go down on August 10 at the Apex.
Tom Aspinall’s responds to claims of an early stoppage
Whilst an Aspinall KO win was the bookie’s favorite line heading into UFC 304, Blaydes did protest the stoppage as the British heavyweight wheeled away in celebration- with a minority of viewers online claiming that the referee had called a halt to the bout too early.
At the post-fight press conference, Aspinall would get the chance to respond to the claims of an early stoppage, explaining how no matter what decision the referee made in that split-second, he would have put Blaydes out regardless.
“Mate, what kind of idiot is saying that? I dropped him with a 1-2, he’s face down on the canvas, I’ve got 250lbs on his back and I’m landing seven or eight unanswered shots – where is he going to go?
“Where is Curtis Blaydes gonna go after that? There’s only one place he’s gonna go and it’s to sleep.”
Following the KO win, Aspinall again called for an undisputed title shot against Jon Jones, with UFC CEO Dana White later confirming that the British champion will be the backup fighter for Bones’ expected fight against Stipe Miocic later this year.