Tom Aspinall has publicly sided with Alex Pereira in criticizing referee Herb Dean, reposting the same video Pereira shared to voice his displeasure. Aspinall added that MMA rules now feel more like mere recommendations.
UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has publicly backed light heavyweight titleholder Alex Pereira in his criticism of veteran referee Herb Dean, reposting the same video Pereira circulated to express frustration. Aspinall added his own commentary, suggesting that MMA rules have started to feel more like suggestions than enforceable standards.
Aspinall, 33, holds the UFC heavyweight title and carries a 15-3-0 professional record. The Englishman trains out of Team Kaobon and stands six-foot-five with a 78-inch reach. He ranks sixth in the pound-for-pound standings and has built a reputation as one of the most efficient strikers in the division, landing an exceptional 7.63 significant strikes per minute at 67 percent accuracy — numbers that place him among the elite finishers in the sport.
Pereira, 38, is the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion out of Brazil, fighting for Teixeira MMA and Fitness. The fighter known as "Poatan" carries a 13-4-0 record and stands six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach. He lands 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 62 percent accuracy and has established himself as one of the most dangerous knockout artists the 205-pound division has ever seen.
Why it matters
- Two current UFC champions voicing the same grievance amplifies pressure on the promotion and its officiating partners to respond.
- Aspinall's involvement signals the criticism extends beyond the light heavyweight division and has broader locker-room resonance.
- Herb Dean is one of the most prominent referees in the sport, meaning public pushback from champions carries significant weight in ongoing conversations about officiating standards.
