Following UFC 307, it is safe to say that Alex Pereira is perhaps the only combatant in the UFC who could clinch a historical third-division title. The Light heavyweight king proved himself yet again by battering Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 and retaining his gold.
“Following his victory at UFC 307, Pereira, who had previously expressed interest in moving up to heavyweight, clarified his intentions. In the post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, he stated a preference for cleaning out his current division before making the transition to heavyweight and facing the divisional title holder.
However, the situation may be more complicated than it seems. Chael Sonnen has suggested a potential matchup between Pereira and Aspinall. Meanwhile, Brendan Schaub spoke to Weighing In and has hinted at the inevitability of this superfight, even if it means sacrificing a rising star.
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With limited contenders remaining in the light heavyweight division, Pereira’s future likely lies in a move to heavyweight. However, by the time he makes the transition, both Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic may have retired, further limiting his potential opponents. This leaves Tom Aspinall as a highly anticipated matchup, offering Pereira a direct shot at the heavyweight title and solidifying his status as a superfight contender.
On this note ‘Big Brown’ said, “Between Jon and Stipe, you know I think if they both retire, then what’s friggin Aspinall gonna do so I think UFC is gonna force to create these super fights that are ideally not great for guys like Alex. Like Alex versus our boy Tom Aspinall, it’s not a great fight for Alex. Alex is fu** huge dude and all these; none of these guys are gonna risk it on feet with him so now you’re gonna kill off a star. I think it’s gonna be weird for UFC.”
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Can Alex Pereira conquer heavyweight, or will Tom Aspinall be his ultimate challenge in the UFC?
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Even though both the fighter’s potential would be tested by the UFC in their respective divisions, the two fearsome champions could one day share a cage in a tantalizing bout. And the Brit has already started planning on the tactics that he would implement.
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Tom Aspinall reveals his plans for potential bout against Alex Pereria
Tom Aspinall has expressed his desire to unify the heavyweight title by facing the Brazilian in an undisputed championship bout. The interim heavyweight king, who prefers to put his knuckles in gasoline, revealed that he respects the Brazilian- but has vowed to ‘spear’ Pereira in the opening seconds of their potential fight.
In a sharp jab at Jon Jones, Aspinall suggested that the heavyweight star was seeking an easier fight against Miocic. However, this comment may be a strategic attempt to provoke Jones and increase the anticipation of a future confrontation. On the other hand, Aspinall updated his return date so fight fans around the world can rejoice!
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He mentioned on TNT Sports, “I just want my chance to fight for the undisputed title. Of course, that’s the next natural progression [from interim] and also, it’s a dream fight for me so obviously I’m going to push for it. We’re still waiting and still training with that in mind; as far as I am concerned, I am training to fight potentially in November so no matter what happens, I’ll be fit and ready to go in November.”
All in all, we know Aspinall is coming back and most likely it will be against Pereira. What are your thoughts on this potential matchup? Let us know in the comment section below!
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Can Alex Pereira conquer heavyweight, or will Tom Aspinall be his ultimate challenge in the UFC?