There’s an electrifying bout on our hands as we gear up for one of the most highly anticipated fights at UFC 304: Edwards vs. Muhammad 2. The odds are set with Tom Aspinall (-413) taking on Curtis Blaydes (339), two heavyweights who have demonstrated skills and tenacity in the Octagon that make this an exciting prediction to tackle. When analyzing the potential outcome of this match-up, we will look at their stats, fighting styles, recent performances, and preparation leading up to the fight.
Standing at 6’5″ with an 82-inch reach, Tom Aspinall from England has showcased power and precision in his striking that has propelled him through his UFC career thus far. Prior to his stint with the UFC, Aspinall accumulated an impressive record winning by knockouts, submissions, and convincing decisions. His professional record now stands at 11 wins and 2 losses, with 10 of those victories coming by the way of finish.
Being a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt, Aspinall also possesses a strong ground game. He’s shown competency both on his back and in top control, willing and able to engage in a grappling contest. But it’s his striking that Aspinall is most known for, being able to execute accurate, high-volume offense on his feet. His agility despite his size is another key factor that gives him an edge over his opponents.
In contrast, we have Curtis Blaydes from America, who stands at 6’4″ with an 80-inch reach. Blaydes, or “Razor,” as nicknamed, has an impressive wrestling background that has been his primary weapon throughout his career, effectively using it to neutralize striking-oriented opponents. He boasts a professional record of 15 wins with 3 losses and a no-contest, with 10 victories attained via finishes.
Blaydes’ striking cannot be overlooked, though he is predominantly recognized for his wrestling. However, it’s his ability to dictate the position of the fight that showcases his true strength. If Blaydes can gain control early on and take the fight to the mat where he is in his element, he has a high chance of seeing the fight through to a victory.
Both fighters have had impressive recent performances leading up to UFC 304. Aspinall comes into the fight riding a six-fight win streak with four of those wins happening in the UFC itself. His last fight saw him dispatch a formidable opponent through a second round, rear-naked choke submission, indicating his well-rounded abilities.
Blaydes, on the other hand, has won 5 of his last 6 fights. In his most recent match, he showcased his signature wrestling pedigree by grounding his opponent repeatedly and landing heavy strikes from the top position. This win was testament of Razor’s ability to control fights and potentially grind out victories.
Looking at their preparation, both fighters seem to be in tip-top shape and fully focused on their upcoming bout. Frequent posts on their social media channels suggest intense training sessions, with Aspinall emphasizing his striking and grappling drills while Blaydes posts about his extensive wrestling and cardio workouts.
Considering the odds, Aspinall is the favorite going into the fight, and for good reason. If he can keep the fight standing and utilize his speed and precision on his strikes, he has every chance to finish the fight early or convincingly outstrike Blaydes over the rounds.
However, dismissing Blaydes would be a mistake. His wrestling prowess and strength make him a formidable opponent. If he is able to close the distance, clinch, and bring Aspinall down to the mat, he could very well control the fight and even seek a finish through ground and pound or a submission.
In a matchup like this, the key lies in who can implement their strategy more effectively. In this case, Aspinall’s striking vs Blaydes’ wrestling. While Blaydes’ wrestling pedigree is formidable, Aspinall’s striking, agility, and the significant improvements he’s shown in his ground game make him the more likely victor. The clincher could be Aspinall’s defensive wrestling, which has shown great improvement in recent times.
Ultimately, my prediction for the Tom Aspinall vs Curtis Blaydes fight at UFC 304 would be a victory for Aspinall, most likely through a TKO in the later rounds. With both fighters showcasing exquisite skills tailored to their styles, it is expected to be a thrilling fight. However, bearing in mind the fight game’s unpredictability, anything could happen. We await with bated breath to see how this clash of styles unfolds on the anticipated night.
