Tom Aspinall Claims Interim Heavyweight Title with Stunning Knockout at UFC 295
In a swift and stunning victory, Tom Aspinall became the UFC interim heavyweight champion, defeating Sergei Pavlovich with a knockout just 69 seconds into the opening round at UFC 295. The event, held in New York, witnessed Aspinall making the most of an unexpected title opportunity.
Aspinall’s performance was a culmination of power and precision. He delivered a massive right hand in the first minute, visibly shaking Pavlovich. This was followed by another decisive blow that sent Pavlovich to the ground, confirming Aspinall’s prowess and his claim to the interim title.
Reflecting on his victory, Aspinall expressed a mix of emotion and confidence, “It’s been a crazy two and a half weeks,” he said. “He’s a big scary guy. I’ve never been as scared in my life as fighting this guy but you know what? I’ve got a lot of power too and I believe in myself. I really believe in myself.” This win not only showcases Aspinall’s skill but also cements his status as a formidable force in the heavyweight division.
UFC 295 Results:
- Alex Pereira def. Jiri Prochazka via knockout (elbows) – Round 2, 4:08 – to win vacant light heavyweight title
- Tom Aspinall def. Sergei Pavlovich via knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:09 – to win interim heavyweight title
- Jessica Andrade def. Mackenzie Dern via TKO (punches) – Round 2
- Benoit Saint-Denis def. Matt Frevola via knockout (head kick) – Round 1, 1:31
- Diego Lopes def. Pat Sabatini knockout (punches) – Round 1, 1:30
- Steve Erceg def. Alessandro Costa via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Loopy Godinez def. Tabatha Ricci via split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
- Mateusz Rebecki def. Roosevelt Roberts via verbal submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:08
- Viacheslav Borshchev vs. Nazim Sadykhov declared majority draw (29-28, 28-28, 28-28)
- Jared Gordon def. Mark Madsen via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:42
- John Castaneda def. Kyung Ho Kang via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Joshua Van def. Kevin Borjas via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
- Jamall Emmers def. Dennis Buzukja via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:49
Tom Aspinall embraces with Michael Bisping after delivering on his promise to “pull a Bisping” and claim gold on short notice at #UFC295 ❤️
🎥 @MikeBohn pic.twitter.com/0K2AcuxRAv
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) November 12, 2023
Glover Teixeira's reaction to Alex Pereira's title win 👏🥹 #UFC295 pic.twitter.com/U59ZCSVTq7
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) November 12, 2023