UFC 304 results: Tom Aspinall knocks out Curtis Blaydes, calls out ...

Tom Aspinall gave the fans in Manchester something to cheer about, producing an emphatic first-round knockout win to retain the UFC interim heavyweight title.

In the co-main event at UFC 304, the local hero stopped Curtis Blaydes inside the opening round to send the crowd into raptures.

Aspinall (15-3) has been on a tear since returning from injury one year ago and managed to avenge his only loss under the UFC umbrella.

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"I had nothing against him personally, but we needed to put that one to bed ... I got my revenge, thank god," he said post-fight.

"I'm the best finisher in the UFC. If I smell blood, you're done."

Tom Aspinall celebrates his win at UFC 304.  Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

The 31-year-old is now seemingly on a collision course with Jon Jones, who is still technically the undisputed heavyweight champion despite his recent inactivity.

Jones is expected to take on all-time legend Stipe Miocic later this year, but the groundswell of support for Aspinall could be too hard for the UFC to turn down.

"I just spoke to the boss man - who wants to see Tom Aspinall vs Jon Jones? I have nothing against you personally, but I just think I'm better than you," the English star said.

"I'm coming for it."

Earlier on the main card, fellow countryman Paddy Pimblett submitted Bobby Green in the first round, earning a top 15 ranking in the welterweight division.