Tom Aspinall isn’t staying quiet after UFC 313 flipped the script. Magomed Ankalaev took Alex Pereira’s light heavyweight belt in Las Vegas, and the interim UFC heavyweight champ jumped in on March 9 with big talk about Jon Jones, Pereira, and the new champ.
Pereira came into UFC 313 on March 8, 2025, as light heavyweight champ after a strong 2024, but Magomed Ankalaev ended his reign. A big left hook in round two and tight cage work gave Ankalaev the win by decision, dropping Pereira to 12-3 and lifting Ankalaev to 20-1-1. That Las Vegas upset handed Aspinall a chance to strike.
Aspinall’s Take on Jones and Pereira
Aspinall didn’t waste time weighing in.
“That’s off the table now,” he said. “The Alex Pereira fight at heavyweight, or any other weight, really, I mean, I guess he could still fight him at light heavyweight, really. I guess. But it won’t be for a title. Yeah, Jon: There’s only one thing to do, mate. Sign the contract and let’s get a date going. We’ve seen last night Dana White was talking. Everything is now done on Jon’s side and the UFC now have to find a date and a venue, a place, location. So we’re waiting for that. We’ve got some good news coming soon, hopefully.”
With Pereira’s loss killing a potential Jones superfight, Aspinall’s pushing hard for the undisputed heavyweight champ to face him next, banking on UFC CEO Dana White’s latest nudge to seal the deal.
Pereira’s Next Step
Aspinall sees a clear path for the former champ too.
“Alex Pereira’s run as champion is done for now,” he said. “In my opinion, immediate rematch should be there next. Alex Pereira’s a massive, massive star in the sport of MMA. Massive. Lost it, lost his title, but the run that he has been on is warranted for an immediate rematch, in my opinion. Magomed Ankalaev, to me, looks like he’s got his number. It looks like the same thing could happen again, in my opinion. I want to see it again. I absolutely want to see that fight again. It was a great fight.”
He’s throwing weight behind Pereira’s star power, arguing for a second go at Ankalaev despite the tough odds, all while keeping fans hooked on the drama.
Aspinall didn’t skimp on props for the winner either.
“That was a great fight. Grueling fight. Hopefully, people on the outside who are not physically involved in the sport physically like I am can see how grueling fights like that really are. That was an absolutely exhausting fight for both guys, and we’ve got a new champion. Magomed Ankalaev, light heavyweight champion, congratulations,” he said.
His nod to the fight’s toll shows his fighter’s eye, hyping Ankalaev’s grit while setting the stage for bigger battles ahead.
Why Aspinall’s Pushing Jones
Aspinall’s been stuck with the interim heavyweight belt since knocking out Curtis Blaydes in 60 seconds at UFC 304 in July 2024. Jon Jones, the undisputed champ since beating Ciryl Gane in March 2023, has one heavyweight defense and, at 37 with a 27-1 record, keeps hinting at retirement or legacy fights over unification. Aspinall, 31 with an 8-1 UFC streak, wants that title shot now, especially with Pereira out of the heavyweight mix. His 15-3 MMA record and five straight finishes scream readiness, and he’s not shy about saying it after UFC 313 opened the door.
If Jon Jones signs the contract, Aspinall fights him for the real heavyweight title. Fans have wanted this since Aspinall won the interim belt in 2024. If Alex Pereira gets a rematch with Magomed Ankalaev first, Aspinall has to wait for his shot. Pereira’s recent loss means Jones can’t avoid Aspinall as easily now. Dana White will decide what happens next. Aspinall keeps the pressure on.
