Interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall respects what gentle heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira has been capable of accomplish, however he is be more than pleased to welcome “Poatan” to the heavyweight division.
Pereira has indicated that he’d like to maneuver up the the heavyweight following his final two fights. “I believe that is (a transfer to heavyweight) in my future. I mentioned that final time I used to be right here. I mentioned it so much however there did not appear to be an excessive amount of curiosity within the group, however I am right here. I am out there, and I do assume that is in my future” Pereira mentioned following his knockout win over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 final weekend.
“As we’ve seen with me, I’m not shying away from anyone. So, if the UFC desires to try this, I’m more than pleased to do it. However, as an elite stage fighter myself, you may’t assist however be impressed with what Alex Pereira has performed over the previous couple of years,” Aspinall instructed TalkSPORT MMA.
“This time a couple of years in the past, no person knew who he was and now he’s one of many greatest stars in MMA, among the finest fighters in UFC historical past. I’ve actually revered what he’s performed. Does that imply I do not need to battle him. No. I completely need to battle him. I’m certain there might be a time and a spot for it. I’m not leaping forward of issues proper now, combating Curtis Blaydes now, and if that’s what the UFC desires to do at some point, then we’ll completely do it,” Aspinall continued.
Aspinall places his interim belt on the road within the UFC 304 co-main occasion in Manchester, England on July 27 towards Blaydes. “Razor” is ranked fourth within the weight class and holds a win over Aspinall. Seconds into their UFC Battle Night time 208 predominant occasion bout in July 2022, Aspinall suffered a knee and was unable to proceed. Blaydes was declared the winner by way of TKO. The bout lasted 15 seconds.
