If there is anyone who can become a three-division UFC champion, then it is none other than Alex Pereira. The Light heavyweight king is scheduled to clash against Khalil Rountree Jr at UFC 307. However, ‘Poatan’ has made it clear that he would prefer to clean out his division rather than move a notch up to heavyweight and challenge Tom Aspinall.

However, there is a twist to the tale according to fighter-turned-analyst, Chael Sonnen. ‘The American Gangster’ has revealed a new development that he is assuming might come true. In a new YouTube video, he said, “One thing is consistent whenever I hear about the California show, in January it’s big. There is always something big. To the point they wanted Conor to go there with Chandler right? Illustrates big.”

He further explained, “So stay with me on all this because the way that the tale is going in a room down with the boys, Aspinall has retained for November that the part that you need to take away. Not whether Jones would fight him or Stipe would fight him.  Aspinall is retained for reasons that if Pereira goes through Rountree, quickly and unblemished, Pereira will go to the garden to taken on Aspinall. Stipe and Jones will be looked at for Los Angeles in January.”

The Brazilian native has dismissed the idea of fighting the Interim Heavyweight king in a higher weight class. While ‘Poatan’ respects Aspinall’s skills, he is not interested in pursuing a run at heavyweight. Despite this, Pereira remains intrigued by the possibility of training with MMA GOAT Jon ‘Bones’ Jones and learning more about the heaviest division in the UFC.

Meanwhile, the MMA world is buzzing with intrigue for the upcoming legacy showdown between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. UFC head honcho Dana White confirmed last month that Aspinall will serve as the backup fighter for the ultimate clash between two all-time greats at UFC 309. 

Adding another layer of buzz, ‘The Bad Guy’ has heard from insiders that a victory for Pereira at UFC 307 could fast-track him to an interim title shot against Aspinall. According to the rumor mill, Pereira would be pitted against the ‘Honey Badger’ no matter what happens with the  Jones-Stipe clash. Among all the speculation one thing is clear; Aspinall will be rooting for Pereira to win his clash against Khalil Rountree Jr.!

Tom Aspinall gives Alex Pereira a huge compliment

Pereira’s left hook is his legendary asset and is capable of shutting anyone down in the UFC. It is a move that has become synonymous with ‘Poatan’, discussed in both MMA and kickboxing circles. And this isn’t just fan hype; even Tom Aspinall has acknowledged the sheer of Pereira’s X-factor.

In a recent segment of ‘Championship rounds’, Aspinall dissected Pereira’s fighting style while training. He highlighted Poatan’s ability to distract opponents with his lethal leg kicks and how he sets them up for his left hook as they enter his range. Aspinall stated, “He predominantly stands with his head which is always quiet straight up in the air… He then jabs the body. All this stuff what this is doing is this is taking the mind away from the massive left hook he has got.” He further explained the fierce left hook and said, “ Because, in my opinion, he has got one of the best if not the best hooks in MMA period. So, what he will do is he will hurt this (calf) he will hurt … But he will keep the range all the time he will never step into rapid range”

Watching Pereira inside the octagon is like witnessing a calculated predator stalking its prey. Every move, every strike is a testament to his killing instinct. Given his dominance and the recent rumors, is there a chance Sonnen’s insider scoop could become a reality? Drop your views in the comment section below!