There is a lot of speculation surrounding UFC 300 and what the main event would look like. Some rumors claimed that Tom Aspinall could be fighting Alex Pereira in a heavyweight bout. However, the interim heavyweight champion recently revealed that the fight against ‘Poatan’ is not going to happen in April.
Tom Aspinall has already mentioned that he’s ready to fight at UFC 300 if Dana White wants him to. Even Alex Pereira teased a return in April, and the British fighter even expressed his willingness to fight ‘Poatan’ as well. However, fans might have to wait sometime for that fight to take place, according to Aspinall. Let’s see what more he had to say.
There won’t be Tom Aspinall vs. Alex Pereira at UFC 300
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
During a recent appearance on ‘The MMA Hour‘, the interim heavyweight champion addressed the rumors surrounding a potential fight between him and Alex Pereira. Tom Aspinall mentioned that he and the Brazilian ace started exchanging words on social media after hearing about the possibility of a fight between them. He said, “When I started hearing rumors of that, me and Alex started doing a little bit of online flirting back and forward.”
Apparently, Aspinall and Pereira have common connections. The interim heavyweight champion revealed that a fight against ‘Poatan’ is not out of the question. And even though Tom Aspinall will be present at UFC 300, Alex Pereira is not ready to jump over to the heavyweight division at this moment for a fight in April, according to some of their mutual friends. “But we have a couple of mutual friends, and it came to light that Alex isn’t going to move up to heavyweight yet,” Tom Aspinall added. In addition to that, the British star also revealed that he’s not willing to ask Dana White for that match.
Aspinall respects Pereira’s decision
Tom Aspinall told Ariel Helwani that he has no hard feelings for Alex Pereira for not considering the fight against him. The Brazilian is also a champion in his division and has the right to call his own shots. As such, Aspinall doesn’t want to pursue him if he’s not ready to make the move to the heavyweight division. He further stated, “I respect Alex, respect his decision. He’s a champion in his own right. Fair play. I ain’t going to push for that anymore.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
As far as defending the title is concerned, Tom Aspinall is ready to take on anyone who wants a shit at his belt. Claiming that he’s working towards being ready for UFC 300, the interim champion added, “I see myself as the number one. The number one is the king and if somebody challenges the king’s throne, it will be defended. I will defend my throne.”
Watch This Story: Furious Dana White Goes on a Rant Against Reporter as UFC CEO Supports Freedom of Speech
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
With this fight out of the equation, it remains to be seen what other fights Dana White has in mind to consider for the UFC 300 main event spot. We are almost two months away from the historic pay-per-view event. Meanwhile, we will have to wait and see what’s next for Tom Aspinall and whom he defends his title against in the months to come.