Sport

Tom Aspinall celebrates title defence in the best way possible – by smashing fast food and calling his next fight

Dispatched with his opponent, then proceeded to scran almost immediately.

Danny Jones Danny Jones - 29th July 2024

Manchester MMA star Tom Aspinall successfully defended his title for the first time this weekend, finally burying ghosts from fights passed and celebrating in the most fitting fashion you could imagine: by smashing a load of fast food and naming his next fight.

So wonderfully Northern too, love it.

Aspinall already came into the fight as the UFC‘s reigning interim heavyweight champion, but the main goal was to finally give himself and the fans the fight they missed out on back in July 2022, when the Wigan-born fighter’s match against Curtis Blaydes was stopped just 15 seconds in with a knee injury.

However, the rematch at Co-op Live in the early hours of Sunday morning was even more impressive than anyone could have expected, defeating the American within just a minute of the first round. To make things look even more casual, he then proceeded to eat a pizza only minutes later.

Still in his gear, barely a drop of sweat on him and sharing it with another North West victor on the night, Paddy Pimblett – now that’s an iconic look if we’ve ever seen one.

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It only took one big hit from the Salford-born, Atherton-raised 31-year-old to knock Blaydes for six before he proceeded to pounce on his stunned opponent and earn himself the stoppage.

Not only is Aspinall now posting a fight record of 15-3-0 but this was also his fastest bout ever, beating the 33-year-old within a mere 60 seconds.

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You can watch the full highlights HERE (spoilers: it’s not a long video…) but we can’t lie, we equally enjoyed watching him call out heavyweight champion and UFC legend Jon Jones, simply stating: “I think I’m better than you.”

This is a man who is now more sure of his ability than ever and we’re absolutely here for it.

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Elsewhere, fellow Brit Leon Edwards lost his title to US welterweight Belal Muhammad and, as mentioned, Scouse star Paddy ‘The Baddy’ also won with a first-round submission to continue his seven-fight unbeaten streak (five wins, three draws) in the lightweight category.

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It remains to be seen whether Jones will answer back after being called out by Tom Aspinall – now considered by many to be the best in the world – having turned down multiple offers in recent years, but there’s no doubt the fans would love to see it as his next fight.

Until then, please enjoy the Manc champ once again rewarding himself with one of his very own burgers from the much-loved fast food spot over in Chorley.

Have five, Tom, you deserve it.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — XcellentMMA (via X)/UFC/Tom Aspinall/The Burger Capital (via IG)

Sport

Manchester City to commemorate Sir Howard Bernstein ahead of Arsenal game this weekend

Danny Jones Danny Jones Manchester City dedicating Arsenal game to Howard Bernstein before kick-off

Manchester City have announced that they will be dedicating their upcoming Premier League fixture to the late, great Sir Howard Bernstein.

The former Manchester City Council chief executive and influential native passed away earlier this year following a “period of illness” at the age of 71.

With tributes flooding in from all over the world of local business, music, sport and more, his passing was described as “a huge loss to all 10 boroughs”.

As a lifelong Blue, the club also joined the region as a whole in paying their respects to the revered local figure – who is credited with helping stabilise Greater Manchester‘s economy and helping usher in the city’s modern era – but now they will be observing a special commemoration this weekend.

As detailed in a statement on the club site, City wrote: “During this tenure [on the City Council], the city of Manchester enjoyed an incredible resurgence both economically and culturally following the decline of former manufacturing industries.

“One of his greatest achievements as Chief Executive was bringing the enormously successful Commonwealth Games to Manchester in 2002, using sports-led regeneration to breathe new life into Manchester, which in doing so, paved the way for Manchester City’s move to the then City of Manchester Stadium (now known as the Etihad Stadium), from Maine Road.

“Before kick-off, a dedication to Sir Howard’s life will be read, followed by a minute’s applause, providing our players and fans with an opportunity to pay their respects to a lifelong Man City fan who dedicated his life to the city of Manchester.”

As is often custom with gestures of remembrance, City players and manager Pep Guardiola will also be wearing black armbands for the duration of the match.

Bernstein was knighted back in 2003, and deputy lieutenant for Greater Manchester by 2017, his list of recognitions is almost as long as his contributions to the county.

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Even once he retired from the Council after more than 40 years of unwavering service, he still fulfilled key roles for Manchester-based organisations. He was even made an honorary president of both Man City and Lancashire Cricket Club – the lattermost title he held for a decade.

If the word legend truly does get thrown around too much, this is one of the cases where it doesn’t even come close to summing up the impact the loyal local servant had on the home he loved so much.

The Blues kick-off against title-rivals Arsenal at 4:30pm on Sunday, 22 September and when his name and image come up on the big screen at the Etihad, the supporters are sure to be in full voice.

Meanwhile, in-house, club captain Rodri is one of several professional footballers once again calling for a review of the increasingly congested fixture list as concerns are once again being raised over the number of games players are expected to play per season.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — EG Focus (via Flickr/Wikimedia Commons)/The Manc Group

Sport

Tributes paid as Curzon Ashton FC founder Harry Twamley dies following a ‘long illness’

Danny Jones Danny Jones Curzon Ashton founder dies after long illness

Tributes are pouring as local team Curzon Ashton FC have confirmed that club founder Harry Twamley BEM has sadly passed away at the age of 82.

Based in Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside, the National League North side shared the news on Wednesday morning, with fans across the region as well as up and down the English footballing pyramid paying their respects.

Posting on social media, the Curzon Ashton official accounts wrote: “It is with deep regret that we announce that Harry Twamley (BEM) passed away after a long illness.”

“Our condolences are expressed to Richard and Jayne and to the rest of his family at this time.”

While they explained that a full statement will be shared online in the coming days, the initial announcement on the club website featured heartfelt words from former club chairman Wayne Salkeld, who took over from Twamley back in the 2018/19 season, spending five years at the helm.

Salkeld said: “It’s a sad day for everyone at the club. I was honoured when Harry asked me to become chairman in 2018/19 and I will never forget that day.

“I’m going to miss our phone calls which were every day. Thanks for the memories and we will work hard to keep your legacy going.”

Curzon Ashton director Oliver Newall also shared a touching tribute to the club founder, who set up the club back in 1963, adding: “What an incredible man. Someone who brought Curzon Ashton into the world and whom without we would not have had so many amazing moments and memories.

“The word legend gets thrown around too often… Harry Twamley was a legend and he will be missed so much.” He was joined by numerous fans and other clubs in offering their condolences.

By all accounts, one of the loveliest men in football. (Credit: Screenshots via X)

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Other teams paying tribute included Salford City, Saddleworth Cricket Club and nearby non-league outfit, FC United of Manchester.

The lattermost wrote: “From all at FC United, we would like to pay our respects to a legend of the game in Greater Manchester, we ground-shared at Curzon Ashton and saw first-hand what an immense character Harry was.”

Twamley was named in Queen Elizabeth II’s New Year’s Honours list back in 2017 and awarded an Order of the British Empire medal for his services to amateur football. Our thoughts go out to his friends, family, The Nash and their supporters.

Rest in peace to an important local figure and treasured champion of the grassroots game.

For all the latest news, events and goings on in Greater Manchester, subscribe to The Manc newsletter HERE.

Featured Images — Curzon Ashton FC (via X)

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