Liverpool’s British Heavyweight  Tom Aspinall made a bold statement with an emphatic second round submission win over Octagon great Andrei Arlovski after a dazzling display that ensures Aspinall remains undefeated in the UFC. 

After defeating Alan Baudot in October, via first round knockout, Aspinall turned his attention to the experienced Arlovski for a showdown at the UFC Apex.

Aspinall has made an impressive start to his UFC career and after linking up with prestigious Team Kaobon gym in Liverpool, has shown a great improvement in his wicked combinations and ground-game which was shown profusely in this encounter.

Opening up the main-card, both fighters started off hot with some electric boxing combinations with Arlovski attempting 28 significant strikes midway through the first round that was met by some excellent defence from Aspinall.

Aspinall showed great energy and timing with sublime head movement as was able to land a strike that cut Arlovski on the bridge of the nose before the end of the round.

A strong first round from Aspinall which forced Arlovski’s coaches to encourage the experienced fighter to use more kicks and land more of his attempted combinations as well as keeping on top of his gauge throughout the second round.

Arlovski took this to heart and would look to go more on the offensive with some early combinations that forced Aspinall to take the fight to the ground after scoring a takedown very early in the round.

Aspinall wasted no time and locked in a rear-naked choke submission which forced Arlovski to tap out only one minute and 19 seconds into the round.

A jubilant Aspinall celebrated the win over an established opponent in his post-fight interview with UFC Hall of Fame British fighter Michael Bisping:

“He’s a veteran and I hit him with a couple of good shots but he hit me in the eye early on and I couldn’t see anything so it took me a bit longer than usual but it’s all good.
“I shot him with a big blast double in the middle, some Aspinall Jiu-Jitsu baby that’s what it’s all about!
“There two, three other heavyweight fights on this card and obviously the main event guys Derrick Lewis and Curtis Blaydes are way above me so I don’t want them, but any of the other guys, just give me one of the winners!”

Aspinall’s name is quickly rising up through the competitive UFC Heavyweight division.

After such a decisive and commanding display, he will have attracted a lot of interest as his he continues to develop in the hopes of becoming a potential title contender in the near future.

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