Alex Pereira Eyes Quick Turnaround Instead of Waiting for Tom Aspinall: “I don’t think Tom is going to be ready”
Alex Pereira, who loves to fight 3 times a year, plans to do the same in 2026 if he beats Ciryl Gane this weekend.
The former two-time UFC light heavyweight and middleweight title holder will be making his heavyweight debut at UFC Freedom 250 against Gane. If “Poatan” manages to stop “Bon Gamin,” he will become the first fighter in the company’s history to attain three-division glory, although for now, he will only capture the interim title.
The winner of the UFC White House co-main event is expected to meet Tom Aspinall later this year in a title unification bout. Aspinall is sidelined after undergoing double eye surgery and has yet to receive clearance to resume sparring.
Although the undisputed UFC 265-pound kingpin expects to return before the end of 2026, no timeline has been confirmed. Meanwhile, his new manager, Eddie Hearn, recently argued that Aspinall is underpaid and suggested he should not compete again until the UFC presents a better contract.
The issues listed above can delay the Brit’s return. Thus, Alex Pereira has made it clear that he doesn’t plan on wasting time after the White House event. Poatan,” who is now 38 years old, will look to return to the octagon soon and will not wait long for Aspinall. During an interview with UFC on TNT Sports, the Brazilian said:
“I don’t think Tom [Aspinall] is going to be ready. I do not think he is even training… I am a guy who likes to get ready and fight somebody as soon as possible. I want to get another fight as soon as possible… I’m 38 years old. I ain’t got time to lose.”
Check out Alex Pereira’s comments below:
Dana White says Tom Aspinall vs. Alex Pereira was a done deal
During a recent interview, UFC CEO Dana White revealed that Alex Pereira was going to lock horns with undisputed heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall on June 14 at the White House. But Aspinall did not recover on time and is still not fit to fight or even spar. Hence, UFC had to change its plan and bring Ciryl Gane into the picture.
Check out Dana White’s comments below:
