Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is employing an unusual method to prepare for UFC 304. Aspinall (14-3 MMA, 7-1 UFC) will face Curtis Blaydes (18-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC) in a highly anticipated rematch during Saturday’s co-main event at Co-op Live, streamed on ESPN+.
Tom Aspinall
With the introduction of new gloves by the UFC, Aspinall noticed reduced knuckle protection and began soaking his hands in gasoline to toughen them up. “These new gloves are smaller and have less padding,” Aspinall explained at the UFC 304 media day. “So, I’ve been dipping my knuckles in petrol to harden them. They feel like rocks now. If I score a knockout on Saturday, you might see others trying this method too.”
Aspinall’s only UFC loss came against Blaydes when he injured his knee just 15 seconds into their fight in July 2022. He regards this rematch as the toughest challenge of his career, acknowledging Blaydes’ longstanding presence in the top ranks. “I respect Curtis as a person and an athlete. I’m taking this fight very seriously and not looking past him at all,” said Aspinall.
