Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

‘Makes No Sense’ – Why Has Alex Pereira Clapped Back at Tom Aspinall’s Comments?

Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

In their first clash earlier this year at UFC 313, Alex Pereira met his match against Magomed Ankalaev, who dethroned the Brazilian powerhouse to claim the light heavyweight crown. Pereira, who’s known for his devastating striking, found himself outmatched in a grueling stand-up war, unable to impose his usual rhythm. Ankalaev, the undefeated Dagestani contender, controlled the pace without relying much on takedowns, pressuring the former champ relentlessly and landing sharper combinations to secure a unanimous decision victory that shocked the UFC world. While later it was revealed that Poatan may not have been a hundred percent going into the fight, dealing with an injury, the results are what they are.

Now, seven months later at UFC 320 on October 4 in Las Vegas, a well-rested Pereira returns after a tough schedule of five title defense in quick and rapid successions. The extra time has sharpened his focus, and Poatan is filled with confidence in reclaiming his throne. Vowing adjustments to counter Ankalaev’s pressure, he eyes not just revenge but a path to atop the division once more.

What Did Tom Aspinall Say About Alex Pereira’s UFC Journey Till Now?

UFC Heavyweight champ, Tom Aspinall, who is set to fight Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 later this month for his first title defense, recently had some honest but harsh comments about Alex Pereira’s matchups in the UFC thus far, claiming that they were “favorable,” for Poatan until he faced Magomed Ankalaev who excels in ground game.

“I think the matchups were quite favorable to Alex Pereira up until Magomed Ankalaev, all because of the takedown threat,” claimed Aspinall via UFC on TNT.

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Alex Pereira Clapped Back at Tom Aspinall

On UFC 320 Media Day, Pereira was asked about his thoughts on Tom Aspinall’s comments about his matchups. Poatan wasted no time firing back saying, “We’re talking about the biggest organization in the world. I’m a guy who comes from kickboxing. I had no grappling experience. Little experience in MMA and we’re talking about the highest level of the sport so if you’re to put the worse guy in the UFC against me, I’d be at a disadvantage. So that makes no sense.”

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Does Aspinall’s Comments Hold Weight? And Why May Have Pereira Clapped Back?

While it is true that Magomed Ankalaev was Pereira toughest challenge, we cannot discredit what Alex Pereira has been able to accomplish in the UFC so far. He’s taken down fighters including, Khalil Rountree Jr., Jiri Prochazka (2x), Jan Blachowicz, Israel Adesanya, Sean Strickland, to name a few. Poatan also fought in five title fights in a matter of just 16 months, from November 2023, to March 2025.

Therefore, it is safe to say that when Poatan stepped inside the octagon, it hasn’t always been favorable for him, hence the clapback.

Is There a Possibility of a Super Fight Between Alex Pereira and Tom Aspinall?

There is without a doubt a chance of Alex Pereira to fight Tom Aspinall and here’s why. Pereira has previously moved across divisions, going from middleweight to light heavyweight. He was knocked out by Israel Adesanya in their second bout, marking his first UFC loss.

While many fighters prefer to win and move over to the next division, Pereira’s one of the few fighters who can lose a title fight and still decide to move to another weight class, as we’ve witness earlier. He beat Jan Blachowicz, and fought for the light heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka, dethroning him and being officially crowned as the light heavyweight champion.

Whether Pereira loses the contest against Ankalaev at UFC 320 or wins, looking at his history, a fight between Poatan and the heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall, is absolutely in sight. However, we’ll have to see and wait for the results first to see if this fight could actually do down.

Alex Pereira

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I cover the National Football League and things cannot get better than that. I always dreamed to play football or basketball professionally since I’m built like a Running Back. But now that I can’t, since I’m technically in the “Unc” age, I thought why not pick a career in sports industry? So here I am, doing what I love, and hoping that the Commanders win the Super Bowl. I give love to players when it’s due, but can be critical about their performances at the same time. Enough about me, now let my articles do all the talking.