Headliner Tom Aspinall’s UFC London ended in agony on Saturday night when he suffered a freak knee injury 15 seconds into his heavyweight clash against Curtis Blaydes, as Paddy Pimblett stole the show with another emphatic victory and a viral post-fight plea.
Aspinall, topping the bill at the O2 Arena for a second time in four months, badly injured his right knee as he stepped back following a powerful kick on his American opponent.
Something seemed to give as soon as the Englishman planted his foot, with the haulking heavyweight shrieking in pain and clutching his knee as he fell to the canvas.
Referee Herb Dean quickly stopped the bout, with the official result a TKO for Blaydes. Aspinall, the No 6-ranked contender, required significant medical attention inside the octagon.