Alex Pereira defended his UFC light heavyweight championship against JiĹĂ ProchĂĄzka at UFC 303. He now holds three title wins in the division and tons of fans, including MMA fighters, are excited to see him at heavyweight.
In the biggest weight division, Pereira can take on the likes of Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. While Jones is adamant about fighting Stipe Miocic next, Aspinall is scheduled to defend his interim UFC heavyweight championship against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304.
With uncertainty surrounding Pereiraâs heavyweight debut, hereâs what he thinks of a fight with AspinallâŚ
Alex Pereira Dismisses Tom Aspinall As An Opponent Due To His Interim UFC Heavyweight Belt
Pereira discussed his heavyweight debut in the UFC on his official YouTube channel recently. He instantly clarified that heavyweight isnât his priority at the moment, teasing that he aims to defend his light heavyweight belt again.
âWhat I got to say is, it doesnât interest me in this moment to fight him. To be honest, heavyweight isnât my objective, it isnât my main focus. Tom Aspinall, not talking about fighter, Iâm talking positions. I think Iâm in another position now, sincerely for me it doesnât make sense to dispute the interim belt.
âPoatanâ then cited that Aspinallâs interim UFC heavyweight belt as the reason why he isnât interested in the fight. He prefers waiting to fight for the real belt over disputing the interim one.
The Brazilian didnât discredit Aspinallâs Octagon skills, though. He appreciated the interim champâs technical prowess and athleticism. So, their highly-anticipated matchup could become a reality if Jones is stripped or the Britisher unifies the title anytime soon.
âI am not belittling him, I respect him a lot. I think he is an incredible athlete, a guy that is very dangerous technical. Iâm just talking about the interim belt, there is no point for me. So, I discard, there is no possibility to fight him now. If he was champion and said that, of course we would be promotion the fight. â
The worlds his Oyster.
Pereira only has a few years in MMA left. A heavyweight interim title fight is all risk and minimal reward. Let the four sort it out and he can defend against Ankalaev. Unless UFC just wants to throw everything in chaos and make Jones vs Alex in October.
AP doesnât belong at HW. LHW is perfect for him
He should fight Magomed first. If he beats him then Iâd be more willing to accept a HW fight for him