Interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has denied rumors of a match with Alex Pereira at UFC 300, but says he is ready to fight if called upon.
UFC 300 is still in search of a headliner. But, Tom Aspinall? Doesn’t seem like he’ll be the one.
Rumors are flying around, you know. They’re saying Aspinall might be up against UFC light heavyweight champ, Alex Pereira. But Aspinall, the 30-year-old interim heavyweight champ, says he hasn’t heard a peep about it.
But don’t get it twisted. Aspinall’s staying ready. If they call him to headline the historic April 13 card, he’s game. He’d love to get back in the ring sooner rather than later.
“On my end, I’ve heard nothing so far,” Aspinall shared on his TikTok. He’s not one to shy away from a fight. He’s not particularly gunning for a match with Pereira, but if it’s on the table, he’ll take it. He’s ready to rumble.
Aspinall claimed the interim title with a knockout of Sergei Pavlovich last November. But his next fight? It’s a bit of a question mark. He’s been calling out Jon Jones, the reigning UFC heavyweight champ. But Jones is still on the mend from a torn pectoral muscle.
Jones is clear about his comeback. He’s only interested in former UFC heavyweight champ, Stipe Miocic. The UFC’s on board with that, planning Jones vs. Miocic for 2024.
So where does that leave Aspinall? He’s left hanging, especially with rumors that Jones and Miocic might retire post-clash.
“There’s been a lot of chatter about who I should fight next,” Aspinall said. He’s ready to go. Just give him the details.
“I’m the easiest guy to get into a fight. The UFC asks, I say yeah. I don’t question who, when, where. Just make me an offer, and I’ll likely say yeah.”
Aspinall’s got a plan for 2024. He wants to compete at least twice. But with the UFC schedule filling up till April, he might be looking at a summer return.
There’s a good chance the UFC will return to the U.K. later this year. That could be the perfect spot for Aspinall to defend his title.
“I’d like two fights, that’s perfect,” Aspinall said. “One around early summer, and one at the end of the year. That’s realistic and ideal. I’d like more, but you’ve got to be realistic.”
“Twice a year is doable. So two fights would be perfect.”