Tom Aspinall submits Alexander Volkov in the first round in dominant display at UFC London main event to announce himself as heavyweight contender

Tom Aspinall proved he is indeed the real deal at UFC London with a first-round destruction of Alexander Volkov in their heavyweight fight.

The Mancunian was the first to land a significant blow in the main event at The O2 Arena and he followed that up with taking down the Russian with surprising ease by the cage. 

Some nasty shots followed as the 6ft7in Russian tried his best to evade, but Aspinall – tipped as a future UFC champion – was like a dog with a bone and was not relenting one bit.

Back to their feet, it was clear that Volkov’s head had been opened up from the shots on the ground and Aspinall quite literally and metaphorically smelt blood.

An Aspinall slip was a momentary cause for concern but once back to his feet, he timed another takedown magnificently as Volkov offered a straight right hand.

This time, Aspinall punished Volkov for going to the ground with him and as he went for the straight armbar, the Russian had no choice but to tap.

Three first round finishes in the top three fights on the card saw a trio of spectacular British victories take place inside the O2. In every case, their careers grew at UFC London.

Aspinall made it look easy, almost. It was a comprehensive victory over a man who has been ranked in the top five of the UFC.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney and boxing superstar Anthony Joshua were among the stars to celebrate a great night for British UFC fighters in the front rows.

With a victory over a highly ranked opponent like that, the major question is here does Aspinall go next?

Dana White has already suggested that an interim title fight will once again take place because Francis Ngannou will have knee surgery.

Derrick Lewis just lost to Tua Tuivasa and Cyril Gane lost to Ngannou, so could it be Jon Jones finally making his heavyweight debut for the title? Stipe Miocic would make sense.

That would leave Aspinall and Tuivasa to round off the top five and the 28-year-old has made it clear that’s exactly who he would like next.

“I’ve been telling you all week, I’m born for this. I’m ready,” Aspinall said.

“We drink beer in the UK, not just Australia. Next time you’re in the UK, Mr Tai Tuivasa, let’s do it bro.”