UFC 304 Manchester Co-op Live tickets and potential fight card with Tom Aspinall ready to headline

Home favourite Tom Aspinall plans to be a big part of the huge UFC event coming to Co-op Live.

The announcement that the American MMA giants were bringing UFC 304 to Manchester’s newest arena on July 27 was about the only positive bit of PR in a nightmare opening week for the venue.

The opening has been delayed - and two Peter Kay gigs twice postponed - with executive director and general manager Gary Roden resigning days before it was due to open. But in amongst all the chaos, UFC confirmed on Wednesday morning its first European event of 2024, and the first sporting event at Co-op Live, will take place in July.

And Aspinall - who hails from Atherton, just down the road from the venue - has already revealed his plans to be a big part of the show on home territory.

"I had a meeting with the UFC," the interim world heavyweight champion said on TikTok. "It has now been confirmed that I am fighting on UFC Manchester, so I'm back home preparing for that now.

"I've started the early stages of training camp. I'm just waiting for my opponent to accept so stay tuned, keep up with the socials, and keep up with the YouTube channel. I'll be announcing it very soon."

Some eyebrows have been raised at news the prelims will begin at 11pm local time, followed by the main card airing at 3am. Other top British stars are expected to feature.

Another Wiganer, Muhammad Mokaev, will also be vying to get involved as he continues his charge towards a title shot. The 23-year-old, who was born in Dagestan but arrived in Wigan as a refugee more than a decade ago, boasts an unbeaten record.

How to get tickets for UFC 304 at Co-op Live

Tickets go on sale from 10am on Friday, June 7, via Ticketmaster. UFC Fight Club members will have the opportunity to purchase tickets early on Wednesday, June 5, at 9am.

Those who registered their interest in the event will gain access to a special pre-sale which starts Thursday, June 6, at 10am. Fans are advised to register their interest early via ufc.com/Manchester