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.
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.
Stockport County to introduce safe standing at Edgeley Park
Danny Jones
Stockport County will soon be introducing safe standing at Edgeley Park as part of the pending stadium development plans.
The Hatters may have just missed out on promotion to the Championship, but it’s still been an exciting few years for the club that has seen a fresh surge in young new supporters in addition to their passionate lifelong followers.
In more fantastic news for fans, County have announced that brand new safe standing sections will be installed across the ground.
Confirming the news on Wednesday, the club said: “After receiving all necessary approvals and working closely with safety authorities, we are set to install rail seating in two designated areas of the stadium.
Stockport County is thrilled to announce the introduction of safe standing areas at Edgeley Park ahead of the upcoming 2025/26 season.
Visit the club site for more details on this exciting new development ⤵️#StockportCounty
— Stockport County (@StockportCounty) May 28, 2025
As detailed on the club website, there will be two new dedicated safe-standing/rail-seated zones – one in each main stand: the back five rows of seats in the Cheadle End’s upper tier and the back two rows of the Vitality Railway End.
With Stockport Council greenlighting plans for League One side to expand their home capacity, this reconfiguration is set to accommodate a total of 849 County fans and/or supporters.
Although this all depends on final approval from the Safety Advisory Group (SAG), the aim is to deliver a “vibrant and dynamic environment for both home and away fans at Edgeley Park.”
The official statement goes on to explain that the push for safe standing is not just to provide more matchday options for those in attendance, but in hopes of further “enhancing the atmosphere and improving the overall matchday experience for those who prefer to stand.”
Couty has insisted that “The rail-seating system incorporates a barrier for every seat, ensuring that supporters are protected from a sudden surge or crowd movement.”
Safe standing is part of the larger Stockport County stadium redevelopment plans.
Addressing early concerns in a ‘What This Means for You’ section, they go on to add: “Season ticket holders currently in the affected rows will be contacted directly by the Club over the coming weeks with details on their options, including relocating to a seated area if they prefer not to stand.
“Information regarding new season tickets and matchday tickets in the safe standing areas will be released in due course.
“We believe this is another significant step forward for Stockport County and will further enhance the already incredible atmosphere at Edgeley Park. We look forward to seeing and hearing the renewed energy in these new sections.”
The safe standing plan is set to be introduced for the upcoming 2025/26 season, with the administration hoping to make this their last in the third tier. Do you see them going up next year?
Featured Images — The Manc Group/Press Shot (via SCFC)
Sport
Rio Ferdinand is stepping away from TNT Sports after more than a decade
Danny Jones
Manchester United legend and ex-England international Rio Ferdinand has announced he will be stepping away from TNT Sports, leaving more than a decade with the broadcaster.
Ferdinand has spent the best part of the last 10 years serving as a leading pundit and analyst, as well as hosting his own ‘Rio Meets’ online series – the interview format of which has been replicated on his YouTube channel.
However, after having been one of their main anchors both under the BT Sport and even more so since the inception of the rebranded TNT Sports Football umbrella, the 46-year-old has confirmed he has now quit their regular coverage following the Champions League final this weekend.
In a lengthy statement on social media, the ex-Man United defender, who also played for Leeds, West Ham, Bournemouth and QPR, described it as a “difficult decision.”
Taking time to thank the network for their “tremendous support” over the years, especially those “behind the scenes, whose work often goes unseen but has been essential to our success.”
The talented centre-back retired in May 2015 after more than 500 appearances and 81 national team caps, making an almost immediate switch into punditry and remaining a household name.
Rio has also remained a popular figure at Old Trafford and, indeed, across various parts of Manchester since leaving United in 2014.
For instance, his self-titled Foundation has carried out some truly transformational local outreach across various boroughs, as it has back in his home city of London.
Responding to the news, TNT Sports said nothing more than “Thanks for everything, Rio”; meanwhile, fellow former Red, Danny Simpson (who retired last year and also works as a pundit/presenter for MUTV) added: “You’re going to be missed, bro. Every time you’re on, you give us all the mad insight.”
However, he has promised he will remain in the media industry, continuing to work under the Rio Ferdinand Presents digital brand and pursuing “other business interests”.
With his ‘Rio Reacts’ and ‘Vibe with FIVE’ series regularly raking in millions of views, he might not be on the box during European nights but you’ll still be seeing plenty of him.
Danny Jones -
29th July 2024 
