UFC heavyweight contender Curtis Blaydes plans to defeat Tom Aspinall without the aid of a severe injury second time around.
Blaydes is back in enemy territory this week to run it back with Aspinall in competition for his interim title in the co-main event of UFC 304, set for the Co-op Live arena in Manchester, England, on Saturday night.
The pair previously shared the cage in the country's capital two years ago, headlining a UFC Fight Night at The O2. On that night, Aspinall had his previously perfect UFC record blemished courtesy of a freak injury just 15 seconds into the very first round.
In that regard, Blaydes is hoping that lightening doesn't strike twice...
Blaydes Doesn't Want Help From An Injury At UFC 304: 'That Stains The Win'
During a recent interview with CBS Sports' Shakiel Mahjouri, Blaydes looked ahead to his second dance with Aspinall and first chance to capture gold on MMA's biggest stage.
While many would perhaps be inclined to put additional focus on the limb that gave way 15 seconds into their first fight, Blaydes dismissed any suggestion that he'll employ such a strategy in Manchester.
I mean, not unless it's something I can immediate target or there's a read, I see him with a limp," Blaydes said. "But that's not like, the gameplan, 'Oh, attack his lead leg.' I'll be honest, I can't even tell you which one (leg) it is, off the dome. No, that's not part of the gameplan.
I don't want to win by an injury. That stains the win. You can't really brag about a win when the guy got injured," Blaydes continued. "if it happens, it happens. I'll take the belt. But it's not the plan.
With that said, Blaydes will be looking to have his hand raised at the expense of Aspinall thanks to his arsenal of weapons inside of the Octagon.
While that's conventionally been his smothering wrestling game, the likes of Chris Daukaus and most recently Jailton Almeida have felt the full force of "Razor's" striking power.