Tom Aspinall picked up a huge victory over Alexander Volkov in the UFC main event in London, submitting the Russian heavyweight with a right armbar in the first round. It was Aspinall’s fifth straight UFC victory and certainly a release night as the world finally saw what the 28-year-old British native can do.

At the top of the fan list were UFC champions like Alexander Volkanovski, Aljamain Sterling and Henry Cejudo. “Triple C” dubbed Aspinall a legit prospect while Sterling went so far as to declare him a title challenger. Featherweight champion Volkanovski was impressed with Aspinall’s speed, saying he moved like a featherweight.

Tom Aspinall is so good!! So we gon’ round up and move like a fucking featherweight #UFCLondon

Aspinall is a legitimate challenger for the title! Great hand speed, good TDs, great GnP strikes, young and fun to watch! #UFCLondon

What a performance from Aspinall! Absolutely full bodied a veteran to Alexander Volkov. The heavyweight division has a legitimate prospect! #UFCLondon

MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz also paid tribute to Aspinall, calling him a new breed of MMA. UFC fighters Belal Muhammad and Marlon Vera were shocked at how easily Aspinall returned the win, and Megan Anderson agreed he didn’t fight like a typical heavyweight.

Tom Aspinall with a great sliding head, straight punches and takedowns, the new breed of MMA, congratulations.

Man this guy a freak that was too easy heavyweight got a real problem

Tom Aspinall not moving like he weighs 252 lbs!! What an absolute performance!!! He has the potential to be a real contender at the top of the Heavyweight division #UFCLondon

Aspinall’s rise in the UFC has been with relatively little fanfare to the point that UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou recently admitted he had never heard of the British fighter . After a performance like this at the UFC’s first UK event in two years, the spotlight is now definitely on Tom Aspinall.

Tom Aspinall called out Tai Tuivasa after his massive win at UFC London

With his win over No. 6 ranked Alexander Volkov, Tom Aspinall will no doubt climb up the heavyweight rankings. Even though the Manchester native only has two years of UFC experience, Aspinall isn’t looking to slow down his surge to the top of the division. After his win, he called out No. 3-ranked Tai Tuivasa.

“We drink beer in the UK, not just in Australia. So Mr. Tai Tuivasa, next time you go to the UK, let’s do it bro. I’m ready for that!”

Watch Tom Aspinall challenge Tai Tuivasa to a fight below:

“I was born for this! The secret is self-confidence!” 👏 With the biggest win of his career, Tom Aspinall wants Tai Tuivasa next! 😤 #UFCLondon https://t.co/BnBgRVthCH

Tai Tuivasa is coming off a massive second-round knockout of Derrick Lewis in the co-main event of UFC 271 in February. The victory also puts Tuivasa on a five-fight winning streak with all five wins by knockout.

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