Published: 4:46, 12 Nov 2023Updated: 9:48, 12 Nov 2023
Tom Aspinall cried with joy after realising his world champion dream.
The British fan favourite brutally knocked out Sergei Pavlovich in one round to become the interim heavyweight champion at UFC 295 in New York on Saturday night.
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Aspinall is just the third British champion in UFC historyCredit: Getty
Aspinall got an early taste of the power that had his Russian rival riding a six-fight win streak that saw him KO every opponent in the very first round.
The 30-year-old got his head knocked back but showed he takes a shot better than Derrick Lewis, Tai Tuivasa, and Curtis Blaydes by eating it without issue.
Boxing champion Tyson Fury, an old sparring partner of Aspinall’s, would’ve been proud of the head movement his fellow Englishman showed to avoid taking any more shots in the fight.
The man who will look to unify the UFC’s heavyweight division against MMA legend Jon Jones next year ultimately closed the show in 69 seconds.
A massive right hook sent Pavlovich tumbling to the floor before Aspinall followed up with a series of savage ground strikes to finish him off.
Overcome with joy, Aspinall began crying and even took a moment to lay on the Octagon floor and hide his face from those inside Madison Square Garden.
During his post-fight interview with UFC icon Joe Rogan, he used his moment in the spotlight to give credit to his father and coach, Andy Aspinall.
‘The Honey Badger’ handed off his new belt to the man who quit his high-paying job to train his 12-year-old son in MMA after seeing he had world-class athletic potential.
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The 30-year-old broke down in tears in the cageCredit: Getty
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Aspinall heaped praise on his fatherCredit: Getty
“It’s been a crazy two and a half weeks,” Aspinall 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 man right here, my father, has worked harder than anybody.
“So, this belt right here is dedicated to my father.”
Watching on was Michael Bisping, one of now three British UFC champions and the former middleweight king was ecstatic.
And as Aspinall made his way from the arena, he spotted Bisping who embraced the new champion like a proud dad.
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