UFC 304 is set to take place on July 27 at Co-op Live in Manchester, England, featuring two title fights – a welterweight title bout between Leon Edwards and Belal Muhammad, and an interim heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes. The main card will stream on ESPN+ pay-per-view at 10:00 p.m. ET, with prelims on ESPN2 starting at 8:00 p.m. ET, and early prelims on ESPN+ at 6:15 p.m. ET.
Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes are set for a rematch after their first meeting at a UFC Fight Night card in July 2022 where Blaydes emerged victorious due to an injury sustained by Aspinall in just 15 seconds. Aspinall has since had an impressive career in the UFC, with six first-round stoppages and one second-round victory, as well as earning six “Performance of the Night” bonuses. Blaydes, on the other hand, has gone 4-0 following his loss to Derrick Lewis, although he did suffer a TKO loss to Sergei Pavlovich before rebounding with a win over Jailton Almeida in March 2024.
Betting odds have shifted significantly in favor of Aspinall, who is now the favorite at -440, with Blaydes listed at +260. Aspinall holds impressive stats in the heavyweight division, with the highest striking accuracy, takedown accuracy, and defense in the division’s history. On the other hand, Blaydes has the UFC records for control time, top position time, and takedowns. However, his takedown defense is notably lower at 31 percent.
In order to secure the interim heavyweight crown, Blaydes will need to focus on his wrestling skills and ground control, as standing with Aspinall could prove to be detrimental to his chances. Aspinall, known for his fast starts, will need to establish range with kicks and be wary of Blaydes’ takedown attempts. The prediction for UFC 304 is a knockout win for Aspinall over Blaydes in the co-main event.
Overall, UFC 304 is shaping up to be an exciting event with two title fights and the rematch between Aspinall and Blaydes taking center stage. Fans can tune in on July 27 to witness these battles and find out who will emerge victorious in the octagon.
