UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is primed to serve as the backup fighter for the highly anticipated UFC 309 main event title fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, scheduled to take place in ‘The Big Apple’ next month. This fight is rumored to be the swansong for both the legends. However, fans, and Brit himself—are increasingly excited about a different potential matchup: one against UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira.

Last month, Pereira expressed interest in a possible fight against Tom Aspinall, sparking excitement across the MMA community about this matchup’s quality and financial potential. ‘Honey Badger’ currently stands as a fan favorite, leading the odds in such a contest. However, a concern was recently brought up by fighter-turned-analyst Chael Sonnen in an Instagram reel—a concern that could prove costly to Tom Aspinall if ignored.

What is Chael Sonnen’s concern about Tom Aspinall facing Alex Pereira?

Tom Aspinall has become a force to be reckoned with in the UFC’s most vicious division since his debut with the promotion. He has finished six of the Top 10 contenders under one round which speaks of his explosive power and precision. Moreover, the Brit has put every opponent the matchmakers have placed in his path to sleep on his journey to a title shot.

However, Chael Sonnen does not think that is enough. As an advocate for Tom Aspinall, Sonnen noted, “I have one concern with Tom, and I am one of Tom’s biggest advocates, but I worry about his UFC career. He has only left the first round once. I don’t love that a guy hasn’t had to breathe for 15 minutes.”

Aspinall has gained a notorious reputation for being a ‘finisher’ with one-punch evaporators. However, the Brit has never been in deep waters in his entire UFC stint. Echoing the same concerns, Sonnen stated, “Jon Jones has been tested; Pereira has been tested. If Aspinall is so damn good that nobody can test him, it’s unfair to criticize, but for me to wonder, I have to tell you it’s a concern for me. Lord knows Tom has given guys the opportunity—some very good fighters who could have pushed him—but at the end of the day, they didn’t.”

This is not the first time anyone has favored Alex Pereira, as his diversified career resume could serve as a potential asset in his heavyweight bout against Tom Aspinall, who, despite being a disciplined fighter, has less experience than Pereira in the fight world.

Rodrigo Nascimento backed Pereira over Aspinall ahead of their dream fight

UFC heavyweight contender Rodrigo Nascimento, in his eight-fight stint with the promotion, has gained enough insight into the developments within the heavyweight division. Although he remains outside the top 10 rankings, he is eager to face the division’s elite. After suffering a setback at the hands of Derrick Lewis back in May, Nascimento is looking to bounce back tomorrow at UFC Fight Night 246 when he goes toe-to-toe against Alexander Romanov.

In May, Nascimento was asked about the potential move of Alex Pereira to the heavyweight division, but he appeared undeterred by the situation. Speaking to MMA Fighting, he downplayed Pereira’s chances against champions like Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.

Brazilian Prospect stated, “I think a grappler could be a bad fight for him in this division. Jon Jones, maybe Tom Aspinall, but I think ‘Poatan’ can definitely beat Tom Aspinall, and maybe Jon Jones, too. If this Jon Jones fight happens, he can be very dangerous in the first rounds. Jon Jones is spectacular, as Pereira is, but I think he can beat the interim champion.”

What are your thoughts on Chael Sonnen’s remarks? Do you think that Tom Aspinall’s pattern of finishing fights in the early rounds, akin to Khamzat Chimaev, suggests he may have low endurance within the promotion? Drop your opinion below.