UFC 295: Tom Aspinall fights back tears after KO’ing Pavlovich in FIRST ROUND to become UK’s third UFC champ

TOM ASPINALL defied the odds to become Britain’s third UFC champion with a stunning knockout win over Sergei Pavlovich.

The Wigan warrior claimed the interim heavyweight title on less than two weeks’ notice early on Sunday morning in the main event of UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden in New York.

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Tom Aspinall looked to claim the interim heavyweight title against Sergei Pavlovich[/caption]

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The Wigan warrior would become the UK’s third UFC champion with a win at MSG[/caption]

Aspinall’s chances of stopping the Russian wrecking ball’s momentum were written off by many as soon as he accepted the short-notice showdown.

But he made light work of the heavy-handed man-mountain knocking him out in the first round.

Aspinall was light on his feet and opened up with a hard low kick to the calf of the Russian.

As usual, he looked to use feints early doors to avoid the nuclear power of Pavlovich.

His chin was soon tested by a hard two-punch combo from American Top Team heavyweight.

But it held up and gave him a renewed sense of confidence as he bobbed and weaved out of the ensuing shots coming his way.

Aspinall quickly got a beat on the timing of the Russian, who he clocked with a huge counter right.

Pavlovich went spiralling to the canvas and Aspinall didn’t waste the golden opportunity to close the show.

Pavlovich was overcome with a wave of emotion after completing a lifetime’s work and fought back the tears after having the belt wrapped around him.

UFC 295 results so far

Jessica Andrade def. Mackenzie Dern via TKO (punches) – Round 2, 3:15

Benoit Saint-Denis def. Matt Frevola via TKO (head kick and punches) – Round 1, 1:31

Diego Lopes def. Pat Sabatini via TKO (punches) – Round 1,

Loopy Godinez def. Tabatha Ricci via split decision (7–30, 29–28, 29–28)

Prelims

Matesuz Rebecki def. Roosevelt Roberts via submission (armbar) – Round 1, 3:08

Nazim Sadykhov vs. Viacheslav Borschev unanimous draw (29-28, 28-28, 28-28.

Jared Gorden def. Mark O Madsen via TKO (elbow and 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)

Jamal Emmers def. Dennis Buzukja via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 0:49