Curtis Blaydes expected Tom Aspinall to beat Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 – but not like that

Curtis Blaydes believes that Sergei Pavlovich allowed Tom Aspinall too much room to maneuver.

Aspinall (14-3 MMA, 7-1 UFC) KO’d Pavlovich (18-2 MMA, 6-2 UFC) in a mere 69 seconds to secure the interim heavyweight title at UFC 295.

Aspinall’s only loss in the octagon came against Blaydes by TKO in July 2022 when he sustained a knee injury just 15 seconds into the fight. Having fought both Aspinall and Pavlovich previously, Blaydes (17-4 MMA, 12-4 UFC) predicted Aspinall to win but was taken aback by the swift victory over knockout specialist Pavlovich.

“I had Aspinall winning, but not in the manner it occurred,” Blaydes informed Middle Easy. “I expected him to outclass him through technique. My anticipation was for Sergei to present a more aggressive front. That was one of the key factors. He allowed Aspinall to gain momentum and freedom of movement.”

Numerous individuals are hailing Aspinall as a potential challenger to UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, and Blaydes doesn’t discount the likelihood. He believes anyone can emerge victorious in a heavyweight battle.

“It’s heavyweight,” Blaydes mentioned. “Anyone can defeat anyone. Sergei can defeat Jon. I can defeat Jon. It’s all about who gets struck in the face first. Regardless of skills, technique, or experience, at heavyweight, there is one equalizer – power. Power overcomes skill. Power overcomes speed. Power is everything at heavyweight, and every heavyweight possesses it. It’s a prerequisite.”

For additional details on the event, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 295.

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