Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · Jun 4
Aspinall Eyes Pereira or Gane for UFC Heavyweight Unification After June 14 Interim Title Fight
Updated
Updated · MMA Fighting · Jun 4

Aspinall Eyes Pereira or Gane for UFC Heavyweight Unification After June 14 Interim Title Fight

3 articles · Updated · MMA Fighting · Jun 4

Summary

  • Tom Aspinall said his next bout should unify the heavyweight belts against whoever wins the June 14 interim title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane.
  • Aspinall, sidelined after an October no-contest with Gane caused by an eye poke, said both options appeal to him—Pereira for his global draw, Gane for a revenge rematch.
  • Pereira would make UFC history with titles in 3 divisions if he beats Gane, but Aspinall questioned whether the former middleweight and light heavyweight champion's power and durability will translate at heavyweight.
  • Gane's movement, size and experience absorbing shots from elite heavyweights make him the stylistic favorite, Aspinall said, though Pereira's calf kicks could still blunt that edge.
  • Based on his own brief fight with Gane, Aspinall predicted Gane by points, setting up a unification clash once the undisputed champion is healthy.

Insights

Will Pereira's power make history against Gane, or will Tom Aspinall's prediction of a decision victory for the Frenchman prove correct?
Will Alex Pereira's Hollywood debut distract from his historic quest for a third UFC title at the unique White House event?
As UFC makes its White House debut, will the heavyweight division crown a historic three-division champion or a familiar number one contender?