Tom Aspinall has publicly sided with Alex Pereira in his criticism of referee Herb Dean, reposting the same video Pereira shared calling out Dean's officiating. Aspinall added a sarcastic remark suggesting UFC rules have become mere recommendations.
UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has thrown his public support behind light heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira in an ongoing dispute over referee Herb Dean's officiating, reposting the same video Pereira shared to call out Dean's work. Aspinall accompanied the repost with a sarcastic comment implying that UFC rules have become little more than suggestions.
Aspinall, 33, holds a 15-3-0 professional record and currently sits sixth in the pound-for-pound rankings while reigning as heavyweight champion. The Wigan-born fighter out of Team Kaobon stands six-foot-five with a 78-inch reach and has built a reputation as one of the most dangerous finishers in the sport, landing 7.63 significant strikes per minute at a striking accuracy of 67 percent — figures that rank among the elite at any weight class.
Pereira, known as Poatan, is the reigning light heavyweight champion carrying a 13-4-0 record. The 38-year-old Brazilian trains out of Teixeira MMA and Fitness, stands six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach, and has made himself one of the most feared strikers in the promotion, landing 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy. His route to championship gold across multiple divisions has made him one of the UFC's most prominent figures.
Why it matters
- Two reigning UFC champions publicly criticizing the same official carries significant weight and puts renewed scrutiny on the standard of refereeing inside the octagon.
- Aspinall's endorsement amplifies Pereira's message well beyond the light heavyweight division, drawing attention from fans and fighters across weight classes.
- The incident reflects a broader conversation about fighter safety and consistency in officiating that the UFC may be pressured to address.
