Alex Pereira’s Heavyweight Plans Receive Tom Aspinall’s Honest Verdict – “Whenever the UFC Wants It”

Light Heavyweight champion Alex Pereira seems to have vanished after his thrilling victory over Jamahal Hill in the best bout of UFC 300. Despite his immediate call-out for a heavyweight title shot on May 4th at UFC 301, there’s been no sign of him recently. As the two-division champion in the UFC, Pereira’s call-out for a heavyweight title shot has sent shockwaves through the division. Heavyweight fighters are understandably on edge, keenly aware of his capabilities and the threat he poses with his size and power.

While the 36-year-old is ready to fight any heavyweight fighter to get a title shot and become a three-division champion, he should be potentially facing champions like Tom Aspinall or Jon Jones. While the UFC is yet to approve Pereira’s request, the champion has received a nod from Tom Aspinall.

Tom Aspinall is ready to take on Alex Pereira

In a recent interview with Costa on YouTube, Tom Aspinall addressed the potential matchup with Alex Pereira. The conversation arose when Costa inquired about Pereira’s intentions to compete in the heavyweight division. The interviewer shifted his perspective to the fan’s interest, adding that many UFC viewers are considering it “a dream match and the media has kind of gone that way.” Aspinall briefly denied the notion, stating, “No, I only focus on what’s in front of me after I sign a contract.”

While the Interim UFC Heavyweight Champion hasn’t given much thought to a battle against the Light Heavyweight Champion, he did promise a good match when pressed about Alex Pereira’s chances of winning against him. Aspinall stated honestly, “I think he’s a dangerous guy. I think he’s really good. He’s a world champion in his own right, and he sure has a big chance of beating me. I think it’s a good fight that can be made whenever they want to make it. I know that Alex is probably up for it, and I’m up for it, so whenever the UFC wants it.”

Further, the 31-year-old expressed confidence that Alex Pereira is interested in fighting him, and he’s certainly open to challenges. The only hurdle remaining is securing approval from the UFC, especially Dana White, which might be a hard task as last month, the UFC CEO denied the idea of ‘Poatan’s’ move to the heavyweight stating, “The heavyweight division is nasty, and I don’t think that’s the right move for him.”

While only time will tell if Aspinall and Pereira will ever fight against each other, ‘Poatan’ himself revealed the reason behind his absence from the heavyweight title picture.

Update on Alex Pereira’s Injury and Potential Heavyweight Title Fight

Alex Pereira seems hesitant to relinquish his heavyweight title shot, but his timeline remains uncertain. Recent injuries, including two broken toes (one sustained before his fight and another after his fight with Jamahal Hill), make a swift return unlikely. Despite calling for a heavyweight fight at UFC 301, Alex Pereira revealed a different reality in an interview with MMA Fighting last month. “I was imagining the best-case scenario, but I have two broken toes,” he admitted.

Pereira’s return will probably be delayed as he undergoes treatment, with him bluntly stating, “Both feet are f***ed.” Over the years, Pereira has navigated multiple weight divisions. This long journey has made him cautious about jeopardizing his hard work. That’s why he likely included Tom Aspinall on his list of potential opponents, alongside other fighters. However, becoming a three-division champion isn’t his immediate priority. His health remains his top concern, even if it means staying out of the octagon for an extended period.

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