One week to go before a stretch of UFC blockbusters take us through the end of the year. Many exciting fights have been announced with the UFC world still waiting to see if one more will happen before 2023 is over. While we are hoping they can lock in a date for Conor McGregor and Michael Chandler, we look to this week. The main event features two big heavyweights that are a combined 15-2 in their last 17 fights. Tom Aspinall will return from the knee injury that forced him to quit in his last fight to face Marcin Tybura.
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Rising superstar Aspinall fought Curtis Blaydes last July and the fight was stopped 15 seconds into the first round when his leg buckled after throwing a kick at Blaydes. It makes you wonder if Aspinall came into the fight injured, but did not want to back away from the top level match. He came into that match on an eight fight win streak and multiple performances of the night. It was also in his home country in England, who were greatly disappointed as were all UFC fans. He gets another chance on Saturday in London to get back in the win column.
Aspinall has finished all of his UFC wins, with nine by knockout and three by submission. He just turned 30 and is 6’4” and 256 pounds. Let’s hope the 12 month layoff was enough to heal his knee. Aspinall does not have an easy opponent in his comeback match. Tybura has spread out his 24 wins with nine by KO, six by submission and nine went to the judges. He can be knocked out, although it has not happened in four years and nine fights ago. Tybura comes in 7-1 in his last eight. He is 37 years old, which may be a factor against the younger Aspinall. Look for Aspinall to be patient in this five round fight and wear down Tybura for a late round TKO.
He’s Dangerous
A fight that is sure to be fireworks takes place on the prelims. Dangerous Davey Grant looks to give Daniel Marcos the first loss of his career. Davey Grant has been in some crazy wars his whole UFC career. His last fight against Raphael Assuncao was nothing short of spectacular. After getting taken down five times in the first two rounds, Grant dominated the third round before finding a submission with just 17 seconds left. Davey Grant is dangerous in every aspect of the fight game, which makes his nickname justified. Marcos is a striker with eight knockouts in his career. He looked very impressive in his debut, knocking out Saimon Oliveira in round two. This will be a huge step in competition for Marcos, as Grant has seen it all in the octagon. Look for Grant to be the more experienced fighter and take Marcos’ 0 away from him.
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