Tom Aspinall might be considered a big winner at UFC 313, even without fighting.
Alex Pereira’s light heavyweight title reign ended with a loss to Magomed Ankalaev, potentially leading to an immediate rematch according to Dana White. This situation might remove Pereira from heavyweight superfight considerations against Jon Jones.
Pereira’s defeat diminishes the hype for a potential superfight with heavyweight champion Jon Jones, a matchup both fighters previously expressed interest in. Interim heavyweight champion Aspinall, eager for a Jones fight, believes Pereira’s loss improves his chances for a title unification bout.
“That’s off the table now, the Alex Pereira fight at heavyweight or any other weight,” Aspinall commented in a YouTube reaction to UFC 313. “I guess he could still fight him at light heavy, but it won’t be for a title.”
“Jon, there’s only one thing to do. Sign the contract and let’s get a date going. Dana White mentioned that everything is set on Jon’s side, and the UFC needs to finalize a date and venue. We are expecting good news soon.”
Aspinall’s desire to fight Jones is well-known, while Jones has downplayed Aspinall’s achievements, suggesting he hasn’t earned a fight. Aspinall holds an 8-1 UFC heavyweight record with a title defense against Curtis Blaydes, secured when Jones opted to fight Stipe Miocic instead. Miocic retired after losing to Jones at UFC 309.
Besides his heavyweight title, Jones is renowned for his dominant light heavyweight reign, defending the title 11 times. It remains uncertain if he will still pursue a fight with Pereira after Pereira’s recent loss.
Aspinall praised the Ankalaev vs. Pereira fight, dismissing critics.
“Great fight, anyone who disagrees doesn’t understand MMA,” Aspinall stated. “It was amazing. Ankalaev’s key to victory was his superior desire, pressure, and fresher appearance. He effectively mixed takedowns and striking. I was unsure if he would execute this strategy.”
“I suggested Ankalaev needed this approach pre-fight, not implying he took my advice, but he executed it perfectly. I was concerned Pereira’s power might catch a less strategic Ankalaev, but Pereira’s championship run is paused for now.”
Aspinall supports an immediate rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira, both for its implications on his Jones fight and because Pereira deserves it.
“An immediate rematch should be next,” Aspinall argued. “Alex Pereira is a huge MMA star. Despite losing his title, his recent performances warrant an immediate rematch. Magomed Ankalaev seems to have his number, and a similar outcome is possible. I want to see it again.”
“It was a grueling, fantastic fight. Those unfamiliar with the sport’s physicality might now appreciate its intensity. Exhausting for both fighters, and congratulations to Magomed Ankalaev, the new light heavyweight champion.”
Defeat. Alex Pereira reacts to ‘boring style’ that led to Magomed Ankalaev loss, vows to ‘make some adjustments for the rematch.’
Cardio. Magomed Ankalaev blasts Alex Pereira for ‘running for 20 minutes’ in UFC 313 title fight loss.
Trilogy. Justin Gaethje reveals reason for not wanting Dustin Poirier trilogy.
Rematch. Dana White reacts to Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev decision, reveals rematch ‘probably’ next.
Ruthless. Robbie Lawler announced for UFC Hall of Fame modern wing induction.
UFC 313 post-fight show.
UFC 313 post-fight media scrums.
Re-live the magic of UFC 314.
