UFC London: Tom Aspinall suffers HORRIFIC and heartbreaking knee injury in Curtis Blaydes clash at O2 Arena
TOM ASPINALL's stunning surge up the UFC heavyweight ranks came to a screeching halt thanks to a horrific knee injury.
The Wigan warrior locked horns with the No.4-ranked Curtis Blaydes on Saturday night in the main event of UFC Fight Night 208 at London's O2 Arena.
UFC veteran Blaydes - who has fought a who's who in the 265lb division - was tipped by many to be the toughest test of Aspinall's stint in MMA's premier promotion.
But a nasty knee injury seconds into the eagerly-anticipated main event cruelly robbed Aspinall of the chance to truly test himself against the division's elite.
A disappointed Blaydes, who ended up winning via first-round TKO, said: "It's almost like we didn't even fight. i wanted to come out here and prove a statement.
"Aspinall is legit and a win over him would've shown the world that I'm ready for a title shot and I'm legit.
READ MORE IN SPORT
"I wish the injury wouldn't have happened. I don't even know what to say, man. I'm sorry, I'm sorry."
Aspinall came out aggressive early and landed a huge body kick on the hefty American.
Blaydes responded with a stiff straight right that caught the chin of the Brit.
Aspinall, however, stayed in the pocket and continued to trade heavy leather.
SUN BINGO GET £50 BONUS & 50 FREE SPINS TODAY
Most read in Sport
The Team Kaobon standout then extended the distance between himself and Blaydes to land a heavy leg kick.
The kick landed flush on the target, although it didn't seem to have a visible effect on Blaydes.
It did, however, have an effect on Aspinall - who collapsed to the canvas after placing it back on the mat.
The man-mountain rolled in agony and waved his hand in front of his face to signal he was unable to continue.
Referee Herb Dean didn't hesitate to wave off the contest - much to the disappointment of all those in attendance at the O2."
The unconventional victory has done little to boost Blaydes' own title hopes.
Read More on The Sun
He said: "We never really got an opportunity for either one of us to showcase our skills.
"I know he's got his stuff, I've got my stuff and I wanted to see who had better stuff and we didn't get to see."