UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall vocalizes his apprehension regarding the late start time of UFC 304, scheduled for July 27, a timing that presents a considerable inconvenience for fans in Manchester, England. Aspinall’s candid remarks highlight the disconnect between event scheduling and the needs of global audiences, particularly those in regions outside the host country.
By articulating his concern, Aspinall underscores the importance of considering the diverse fan base and their respective time zones when planning UFC events. His advocacy for a more equitable approach to scheduling resonates with fans worldwide, emphasizing the significance of inclusivity and accessibility within the MMA community.
Scheduled to commence at 11 p.m. local time and conclude around 5 or 6 a.m. the following day, Aspinall empathizes with the spectators who will endure an overnight event at the new Co-op Live arena. While he acknowledges that adjusting to an unusual fight time is manageable for him as a fighter, he emphasizes the unfairness imposed on the dedicated fans.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Aspinall voices his dismay, stating, “As a fan who wants to watch it live, I think it is absolutely terrible. It’s just not fair on the fans, it’s not fair on the U.K. fans.”
Aspinall: UFC 304’s late start time ‘absolutely terrible’ for UK fans https://t.co/CIrUL731Da pic.twitter.com/G0HwRHZsGg
— theScore MMA (@theScoreMMA) April 30, 2024
Reflecting on the historical backdrop of past UFC events in Manchester, Aspinall recalls the palpable discomfort and frustration stemming from the overnight scheduling. In contemplating the logistical challenges, he raises a pertinent query: why can’t the promotion, despite its primarily American audience, strike a balance that accommodates both American and UK viewers?
Aspinall advocates for a more inclusive approach that considers the preferences and convenience of fans on both sides of the Atlantic. By staging the event during the UK’s evening hours, the UFC could enhance the viewing experience for British fans while maintaining its appeal to its core American demographic, fostering greater global engagement and solidarity within the MMA community.
Highlighting the significance of holding a pay-per-view event in Manchester, Aspinall emphasizes the opportunity to attract a sold-out crowd at the new arena. He advocates for aligning the event timing with UK hours, promoting inclusivity for European fans.
While Aspinall anticipates his participation at UFC 304, the promotion has yet to confirm his involvement. Speculation surrounds potential opponents, with Ciryl Gane and Curtis Blaydes emerging as primary contenders for Aspinall’s first defense of the interim heavyweight belt, secured against Sergei Pavlovich in November.
Sarah’s View:
UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall voices his concern over UFC 304’s late start time, slated for July 27, labeling it “absolutely terrible” for UK fans, particularly those in Manchester. Empathizing with spectators enduring an overnight event at the new Co-op Live arena, Aspinall acknowledges the inconvenience for dedicated fans. While manageable for him as a fighter, he emphasizes the unfairness imposed on viewers. Aspinall questions why the promotion cannot accommodate both American and UK audiences by hosting the event during the UK’s evening hours, promoting inclusivity. As speculation surrounds his potential opponents, including Ciryl Gane and Curtis Blaydes, for his first defense of the interim heavyweight belt, Aspinall’s advocacy for fan-friendly scheduling underscores his commitment to the sport’s broader community.
