Phil De Fries, a teammate of Tom Aspinall, has stated that Alex Pereira previously turned down an opportunity to fight Tom Aspinall. De Fries believes that Aspinall is better than Ciryl Gane and that stylistically, different opponents present varying challenges. The post includes a poll asking followers which heavyweight presents a more difficult stylistic matchup for Pereira. While the claim about Pereira declining the fight is presented, no additional context or confirmation is provided in the post.
Phil De Fries, a training partner of UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, has claimed in an unconfirmed social media post that light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira previously turned down a fight against Aspinall — a statement that has not been officially verified or corroborated.
De Fries also took the opportunity to argue that Aspinall is a superior fighter to Ciryl Gane, while acknowledging that different opponents pose different stylistic problems for Pereira.
Aspinall, 33, holds the UFC heavyweight title and carries a 15-3 record. The England-born Team Kaobon product stands six-foot-five with a 78-inch reach and ranks sixth in the pound-for-pound standings. His offensive output is among the most impressive in the division, landing 7.63 significant strikes per minute at an accuracy rate of 67 percent, while also averaging 2.62 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Gane, ranked second at heavyweight, enters the conversation with a 14-2 record. The 36-year-old Frenchman out of MMA Factory is six-foot-four with an 81-inch reach, landing 5.29 significant strikes per minute at 61 percent accuracy.
Pereira, 38, holds the light heavyweight title on a 13-4 record. The Brazilian knockout artist stands six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach and lands 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy. His grappling involvement is minimal, averaging just 0.11 takedowns per 15 minutes.
Why it matters
- If accurate, the claim suggests Pereira declined a heavyweight super-fight that would have been among the most high-profile bouts the UFC could make
- Aspinall's pound-for-pound ranking and striking volume make him a credible threat to any opponent at 205 or 265 pounds
- The stylistic contrast between Gane's movement and range versus Aspinall's explosive pressure is a legitimate debate worth tracking as the heavyweight division shapes up
- Because De Fries's claim is unconfirmed, any divisional implications remain speculative until the UFC or Pereira's camp responds officially
