“It’s absolutely terrible!” Tom Aspinall criticizes Dana White & UFC’s ‘unfair’ decision on passionate UK fighting fans

Tom Aspinall tells Dana White that the timings for UFC 304 are unfair to the UK fans.

“It’s absolutely terrible!” Tom Aspinall criticizes Dana White & UFC’s ‘unfair’ decision on passionate UK fighting fans

Tom Aspinall berates Dana White about the timings for UFC 304 (via Imago)

Tom Aspinall recently fired some heavy criticism at the UFC. This was over the scheduled start times for the upcoming UFC 304 pay-per-view in his hometown of Manchester. The interim heavyweight champion believes Dana White’s promotion’s decision to cater to American audiences was not fair to passionate British fight fans.

Aspinall didn’t mince words when asked about the main card beginning at 3 am local time to accommodate U.S. primetime viewing. He berated the UFC CEO, Dana White for not thinking about the UK fans. He questioned why the roles couldn’t be reversed this time. 

As a fighter, in all honesty, doesn’t make that much difference…As a fan who wants to watch it live, I think it is absolutely terrible. It’s just not fair to the fans…Why can’t the Americans watch it in the afternoon… UK MMA, let’s put it on UK time.
Tom Aspinall via Aspinall Official YT
YouTube video

The 31-year-old Aspinall then questioned why the Americans couldn’t watch it in the afternoon to satisfy the UK crowd. His outspoken comments highlight the struggle international markets often face when it comes to UFC event timings. The U.S. undoubtedly remains the premier region for drawing viewers and revenue. But many argue more should be done to accommodate far-flung fanbases when major shows are held in their territory.

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Tom Aspinall’s opponent for his first interim title defense hasn’t yet been revealed. Rumors placed his opponent as either Ciryl Gane or Curtis Blaydes. The other fights on the card are still being booked. Fight fans would have to wait for the upcoming announcements.

Curtis Blaydes has low expectations for getting a rematch against Tom Aspinall

Curtis Blaydes desperately wants to run things back with Tom Aspinall. But the heavyweight contender has learned his lesson about putting the cart before the horse when it comes to UFC matchmaking. He is wary of his chances to fight the interim champion.

Cutis Blaydes remains wary of his fight against Tom Aspinall
Cutis Blaydes remains wary of his fight against Tom Aspinall (via MMA Fighting)

On paper, a rematch between Blaydes and Aspinall seemed like a no-brainer for the upcoming UFC 304 event in Manchester. Their first encounter had lasted all of 15 seconds before Aspinall suffered a freak knee injury. This rendered the fight a premature no-contest. Blaydes is keeping his expectations in check after having them dashed before.

I learned a while ago, I don’t get my hopes up. I don’t predict. I hope. It would be nice. Do I believe there’s a path? Do I believe it makes sense? Yeah. But that doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. All I can do is be prepared. I’ll be ready.
Curtis Blaydes via MMA Fighting

Blaydes has a legitimate gripe with how matchmaking has played out in his career. He has been leapfrogged for title shots on multiple occasions due to the division’s ever-shifting landscape. He knows that just because a fight makes sense, doesn’t guarantee it materializes.

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