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

Tragedy as two superbike riders die in ‘catastrophic accident’ at Cheshire event

Daisy Jackson Daisy Jackson Tragedy as two riders die in 'catastrophic accident' at Cheshire superbike event

Two riders have tragically died in a ‘chain reaction’ accident at a superbike race in Cheshire.

Owen Jenner, 21, and Shane Richardson, 29, both died of their injuries following a crash involving 11 riders.

The ‘catastrophic accident’ occurred yesterday at the Quattro Group British Supersport Championship superbike race at Oulton Park in Cheshire.

The race was immediately stopped so that trackside medical services could attend to the 11 riders who had fallen.

Due to the ‘extreme severity’ of the incident, the rest of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship event was cancelled.

Two riders lost their lives and another has sustained significant injuries and remains in hospital.

Owen Jenner, 21 years old, was treated trackside and taken to the circuit medical centre , but died from a catastrophic head injury.

Meanwhile Shane Richardson was taken to Royal Stoke University Hospital with severe chest injuries, but died prior to arrival.

Another rider, 47-year-old Tom Tunstall, has also been transferred to hospital with significant back and abdominal injuries.

Five further riders were transferred to the circuit medical centre with minor injuries – the remaining involved riders were uninjured.

The Motorcycle Circuit Racing Control Board and MotorSport Vision Racing are investigating the full circumstances of the incident in conjunction with the Coroner and Cheshire Constabulary.

Cheshire Police said in a statement: “Police are investigating two deaths on behalf of the coroner following a multiple collision at Oulton Park this afternoon (Monday 5 May).

“Emergency services were called to the scene following the collision which resulted in two riders being fatally injured and another with serious injuries.

“Due to the severity of the incident and ongoing medical intervention, the remainder of the event was cancelled.

“The two riders who sadly died have been named as Owen Jenner (21) and Shane Richardson (29).”

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Featured image: British Superbikes

Sport

Ole Gunnar Solskjær says just three players have spoken to him since leaving Manchester United

Danny Jones Danny Jones Ole Gunnar Solskjaer only 3 Man United players have spoke to him since leaving

Club legend and ex-Manchester United player turned manager, Ole Gunnar Solskjær, has revealed that just three of his former players have been in touch since leaving Old Trafford.

Solskjær was sacked from the role as Man United head coach back in November 2021 after having been given the job permanently following an impressive winning run as interim manager.

The practically perfect start back at the helm of the club – where he starred as the ‘super sub’ during his playing days – was followed by a big slump, and the final decision was ultimately made in the wake of a 4-1 loss to Watford.

However, the ‘Baby-Faced Assassin’s’ popularity among the players and the fans alike was never in question, so it’s come as somewhat of a surprise to many fans that Solskjær has said only a specific trio of United players have got in touch with him since his dream job came to an end.

At least two of the names read out might not surprise fans, as not only was then-club captain Harry Maguire one of his first statement signings, but so was Bruno Fernandes, who now has the armband, and both have remained key players and leadership figures pretty much ever since.

Speaking to BBC Sport on the senior duo, Ole said, “For me, Harry has always been a leader and a fighter”, and never had any doubts about him deputising for him on the pitch, before going on to label both the centre-back and Bruno as “top human beings.”

As for the third, although Victor Lindelöf looks set to leave the club this summer, he’s actually been a long-serving squad member, having joined back in 2017 and been a seemingly popular figure around the dressing room, even if injury problems have sometimes hampered his minutes.

He also went on to discuss other matters regarding the club, including confessing that it’s “hard to watch” United amidst their present struggles, both under previous manager Erik ten Hag and now Ruben Amorim – even with a potential Europa League trophy consolation on the cards.

The retired striker also stated that he found the decision to let midfielder Scott McTominay go more than surprising, especially given the incredible performances he’s put on display since moving to Serie A.

Now the boss at Besiktas, the 52-year-old has won 50% of his games so far, with the Turkish side on course for a third-place finish.

For context, he only took the job back in January.

What did you make of Ole’s revelations then, Reds? And, more importantly, how do you look back on his time in charge at the Theatre of Dreams?

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

Featured Images — soccer.ru (via Wikimedia Commons)/BBC Sport

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