Alex Pereira defended his UFC light heavyweight championship against Ji?í Procházka 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 Pereira’s heavyweight debut, here’s what he thinks of a fight with Aspinall…
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 isn’t his priority at the moment, teasing that he aims to defend his light heavyweight belt again.
“What I got to say is, it doesn’t interest me in this moment to fight him. To be honest, heavyweight isn’t my objective, it isn’t my main focus. Tom Aspinall, not talking about fighter, I’m talking positions. I think I’m in another position now, sincerely for me it doesn’t make sense to dispute the interim belt.
“Poatan” then cited that Aspinall’s interim UFC heavyweight belt as the reason why he isn’t interested in the fight. He prefers waiting to fight for the real belt over disputing the interim one.
The Brazilian didn’t discredit Aspinall’s Octagon skills, though. He appreciated the interim champ’s 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.
“I am not belittling him, I respect him a lot. I think he is an incredible athlete, a guy that is very dangerous technical. I’m 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. “
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