Phil De Fries, a teammate of Tom Aspinall, stated that Alex Pereira previously turned down an opportunity to face Aspinall. The post discusses the stylistic differences between potential Aspinall matchups with Pereira versus Ciryl Gane. De Fries believes Aspinall would be favored against Gane, suggesting the opponents present different challenges stylistically. The post includes a poll asking followers which matchup would be more difficult for Pereira. Details about when or under what circumstances Pereira allegedly declined the Aspinall fight were not provided.
Phil De Fries, a heavyweight fighter and teammate of UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, has claimed that light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira previously turned down a fight with Aspinall. The assertion, which has not been officially confirmed, was shared on social media and comes without specific details about when or under what circumstances the offer was reportedly declined.
Aspinall holds the UFC heavyweight title at 33 years old and carries a 15-3 record fighting out of Team Kaobon in England. Standing six-foot-five with a 78-inch reach, the orthodox striker is one of the most dangerous finishers in the division, averaging an eye-catching 7.63 significant strikes per minute at 67 percent accuracy. He also contributes on the ground, averaging 2.62 takedowns per 15 minutes. He currently sits sixth in the pound-for-pound rankings.
Pereira, 38, is the reigning light heavyweight champion representing Brazil with a 13-4 record. The Brazilian striker nicknamed "Poatan" stands six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach and lands 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy. His grappling output is minimal, averaging just 0.11 takedowns per 15 minutes, reflecting a style built almost entirely around his striking pedigree.
De Fries also weighed in on the stylistic contrast between a potential Aspinall matchup with Pereira versus number-two ranked heavyweight contender Ciryl Gane. The Frenchman, nicknamed "Bon Gamin," is 36 years old with a 14-2 record and possesses elite movement and a reach of 81 inches — the longest of the three fighters discussed. De Fries suggested Aspinall would hold a clearer advantage against Gane, implying Pereira would present a stiffer stylistic test.
Why it matters
- Pereira allegedly declining a fight with Aspinall raises questions about a potential super-fight between two simultaneous UFC champions
- Aspinall's elite striking volume and takedown threat would contrast sharply with Pereira's pure stand-up game
- Gane's reach and movement offer a different set of problems, though De Fries views that matchup as more favorable for Aspinall
- The report remains unconfirmed, with no official statement from Pereira or the UFC
