The new UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall does not eliminate the possibility of facing Alex Pereira but expects to see some concrete results.
Aspinall highlighted how Alex Pereira still has unfinished business with Magomed Ankalaev at light heavyweight and should focus on that fight before thinking about moving up.
The highly anticipated rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira is expected to take place before the year ends. Their first encounter was quite one-sided where Poatan failed to capitalize on the match with his stone-cold striking.
Here's how both fighters showed some interest in fighting a couple of months ago:
TOM ASPINALL HAS NOW RESPONDED TO ALEX PEREIRA
— ACD MMA (@acdmma_) October 8, 2024
“🤝” pic.twitter.com/IQuXtGTq1F
Tom Aspinall Reveals
In a recent interview with ESPN MMA, Tom shared his thoughts on facing Poatan at heavyweight in the near future and lists the main condition.
“He’s got business to do at light heavyweight. He just lost his title in a tough fight. I think that Ankalaev remains to be a really tough match up for him lets see if he gets through the next one. In my opinion, Ankalaev doesn't get enough respect. Like the guy has run through everybody and he just beat a long-standing champion. It’s a tough fight for him. His move to heavyweight, if i was in his position I would want to get that one back first”.
Tom Aspinall on a potential fight against Alex Pereira at heavyweight:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) June 27, 2025
“He’s got business to do at light-heavy. He just lost his title in a tough fight…
If I was in his position, I’d want to get that one back first.”
🎥 @espnmma #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/YrcQsQFocq