Tom Aspinall knocked out Sergei Pavlovich 69 seconds into the first round to win the UFC interim heavyweight title at Madison Square Garden.

Tom Aspinall made a triumphant return to the Octagon at UFC 295, knocking out Sergei Pavlovich in the first round to win the interim heavyweight title.

Aspinall was called up to the fight on just 17 days' notice after Jon Jones was forced to withdraw due to injury.

Jon Jones tore a pectoral tendon off the bone while training late last month.

His scheduled heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic at Madison Square Garden had to be canceled because he required surgery.

Despite the short notice, Aspinall was dominant from the start, landing a series of powerful strikes that left Pavlovich visibly shaken.

In the closing stages of the first round, Aspinall landed a devastating right hand that sent Pavlovich crashing to the canvas.

The referee immediately stepped in to stop the fight, and Aspinall was crowned the new interim heavyweight champion.

Aspinall collapsed in tears on the canvas and made an emotional speech to the crowd.

He said:

"I feel relief. I've achieved what I set out to achieve. After I got the knee injury, I needed to make a decision: do I want this, or do I want to retire?

"I decided I wanted it, and it's paid off. I'm really happy I made that decision, and I'm moving forward".

"...I am the best in the world"

Tom Aspinall's speech after winning Pavlovich.

Perhaps Jones will take issue with that order, and Aspinall will target him as his next opponent.

The new interim heavyweight title winner wants to face Jon Jones before either of them retires.

UFC President and CEO Dana White disagrees with Aspinall and believes Jones will fight Miocic first.

"That's the fight they want, that's the fight that makes sense, that's the fight that should happen," White said.

Aspinall's victory was a stunning achievement, especially considering the short notice he had to prepare for the fight. It is also a testament to his incredible talent and potential.