Tom Aspinall remains keen on Alex Pereira challenge at UFC 300

As UFC 300 begins to fill up with fantastic matchups, newly crowned light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira continues to hint at a potential fight announcement in the near future.

While all signs are pointing toward ‘Poatan’ defending his crown against one of the top contenders at 205, there could be an opportunity to make history for the Brazilian. Tom Aspinall has extended his offer of defending his interim strap against Pereira.

During a recently surfaced clip, Aspinall revived his interest in facing Alex Pereira. The Brit claimed that, while he’s not in the business of calling out opponents in lower weight classes, he’d welcome the matchup with open arms.

“If he wants to, I will,” Aspinall said as rumors of a Pereira bout begin to heat up. “But, going on record, I’m saying I’m not a bully.”

“I don’t bully smaller guys. But if the smaller guy wants to scrap, count me in.”

🚨| Tom Aspinall says he’d be down to fight Alex Pereira at #UFC300, via his YT channel. 👀😳#UFC300 #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/fQ4L70FCss

— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) January 17, 2024

Magomed Ankalaev has made a strong case to be next in line for Alex Pereira’s throne following his huge performance last time out.

The Russian powerhouse delivered a masterful display of patience against Johnny Walker and managed to handle his opponent’s unorthodox offense. Midway through the second round, Ankalaev landed a huge right hook which led to the finish and subsequently shattered Walker’s nose.

While Pereira will most likely defend his light heavyweight title against one of the division’s top contenders, this isn’t the first time the Tom Aspinall super-fight has been mentioned.

Related: Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall’s rivalry intensifies after recent social media altercation

Pereira shared a post to his followers on Instagram which some believe hinted at him moving up to heavyweight in search of a third title at UFC 300.

Once speculation began to pick up, Tom Aspinall inserted his name into the hat to face the kickboxing phenom. Aspinall has been open to the idea of defending his interim title while he waits for the confusion in his weight class to ease up.

Despite Aspinall holding interim gold, the UFC seems to be looking in a different direction. Reports are suggesting Stipe Miocic will be next in line when Jon Jones recovers from his injury, which leaves the English titan in limbo.