Tom Aspinall wasn’t fighting at UFC 313, but he might be considered one of the event’s biggest beneficiaries.
Alex Pereira’s light heavyweight title reign ended on Saturday against Magomed Ankalaev. UFC CEO Dana White has hinted at a possible immediate rematch, which would put Pereira’s other fight plans on hold.
Pereira’s loss also diminishes the hype for a potential superfight with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones, a matchup both fighters had shown interest in. Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion, has long desired a fight with Jones, and he thinks the UFC 313 main event results could help make their title unification fight a reality.
“That fight with Alex Pereira at heavyweight, or any weight, is now unlikely,” Aspinall stated in a YouTube reaction video to UFC 313. “Perhaps they could still fight at light heavyweight, but it wouldn’t be for a title.”
“Jon, there’s only one option now. Sign the contract and set a date. Dana White mentioned last night that everything is agreed upon on Jon’s side, and now the UFC needs to finalize a date and venue, so we are waiting for that. Hopefully, we will have some positive news soon.”
Aspinall’s eagerness to fight Jones is well-known, while Jones has often downplayed Aspinall’s achievements, suggesting he hasn’t done enough to deserve a fight. Aspinall holds an 8-1 record in the UFC heavyweight division with one title defense, which he secured against Curtis Blaydes when Jones chose to defend against Stipe Miocic instead. Miocic retired after losing to Jones at UFC 309.
Besides winning the heavyweight title, Jones is celebrated for his dominant reign in the light heavyweight division, where he defended his title 11 times. It remains to be seen if he will still pursue a fight with Pereira after Pereira’s recent loss.
Regarding the Ankalaev vs. Pereira fight, Aspinall praised the match, disagreeing with critics who didn’t appreciate the strategies used.
“Firstly, it was a fantastic fight. Anyone who disagrees doesn’t understand MMA,” Aspinall commented. “I thought it was an amazing fight. In my opinion, Ankalaev’s victory came from greater desire. He applied pressure and appeared fresher. He effectively mixed takedowns and striking. I wasn’t sure if he would execute that strategy, to be honest.”
“I mentioned before the fight that Ankalaev needed to do that—not implying he took my advice, as he has excellent coaches and is intelligent himself—but he executed it perfectly. I was concerned he might become too predictable and get caught by Pereira’s powerful strikes, but Alex Pereira’s time as champion is over for now.”
Unsurprisingly, Aspinall supports an immediate rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira, not only because it increases his chances of fighting Jones, but also because he believes Pereira has earned a rematch.
“In my view, an immediate rematch should be next,” Aspinall stated. “Alex Pereira is a huge star in MMA. Massive. He lost his title last night, but his recent performances warrant an immediate rematch. Magomed Ankalaev, to me, seems to have his number. It looks like the same outcome could happen again, in my opinion. I definitely want to see that fight again.”
“It was a great, grueling fight. Hopefully, those outside the sport can appreciate how exhausting such fights are. It was an incredibly tiring fight for both fighters, and we have a new champion. Congratulations to Magomed Ankalaev, the light heavyweight champion.”
Defeat. Alex Pereira reacts to his loss to Magomed Ankalaev, and promises adjustments for a rematch.
Cardio. Magomed Ankalaev criticizes Alex Pereira for excessive ‘running’ during their title fight.
Trilogy. Justin Gaethje explains why he is not interested in a third fight with Dustin Poirier.
Rematch. Dana White suggests a rematch is likely after Pereira vs. Ankalaev decision.
Ruthless. Robbie Lawler to be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame.
Champion.
It may not be a Hall of Fame fight, but Magomed Ankalaev performed exceptionally on Saturday night. He pressured Alex Pereira, followed his game plan, and secured a victory by decision.
“It doesn’t matter if you win by an inch or a mile, winning’s winning,” as someone famous once said.
