Phil De Fries, training partner of heavyweight Tom Aspinall, claimed that Alex Pereira previously turned down an opportunity to fight Aspinall. De Fries stated this would have been an excellent fight for Tom, noting stylistic differences between potential opponents. The post asks fans which matchup would be more challenging for Pereira stylistically - Aspinall or Ciryl Gane. Details about when or under what circumstances this alleged offer was made were not provided in the brief social media statement.
A teammate of UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has claimed that light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira previously passed on a fight against the Englishman, though the report remains unconfirmed and short on detail.
Phil De Fries, who trains alongside Aspinall at Team Kaobon, made the claim on social media, alleging that Pereira turned down an opportunity to face his teammate. De Fries suggested it would have been a strong matchup for Aspinall and used the post to pose a question to fans: which opponent would present a tougher stylistic challenge for Pereira — Aspinall or Ciryl Gane?
Aspinall, 33, holds the UFC heavyweight title and sits sixth in the pound-for-pound rankings with a record of 15-3. Standing six-foot-five with a 78-inch reach, the English fighter is among the most dangerous strikers in the division, landing 7.63 significant strikes per minute at a 67 percent accuracy rate — figures that rank among the best in heavyweight history. He also adds a credible grappling threat, averaging 2.62 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Pereira, 38, holds the light heavyweight title out of Brazil with a record of 13-4. Standing six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach, "Poatan" is a fearsome striker who lands 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy, though his takedown and submission output is minimal.
Gane, ranked second in the heavyweight division at 36, carries a 14-2 record and brings a contrasting skill set — fluid movement, a longer 81-inch reach, and cleaner volume striking at 5.29 significant strikes per minute — making him a stylistically distinct alternative in De Fries's implied comparison.
Why it matters
- Aspinall holds the heavyweight title and ranks sixth pound-for-pound, making a cross-divisional clash with Pereira a marquee possibility
- Pereira allegedly declining the fight, if accurate, raises questions about whether the bout could be revisited
- The stylistic question posed — Aspinall's explosive power and grappling versus Gane's reach and movement — highlights genuine tactical differences any opponent of Pereira would face
- No timeline or formal context for the alleged declined offer has been provided, keeping this firmly in unconfirmed territory
