Alex Pereira moving up to heavyweight? Tom Aspinall seems more than interested in that possibility.
As of 2026, the UFC heavyweight champion’s return date is still a question mark. He has not fought since defending his title last October and remains without a clear timeline for coming back.
Aspinall became champion following Jon Jones’ retirement and then defended his title against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321.
The bout was called off in the first round after Gane poked the Briton in both eyes, leading to a no-contest and leaving the champion with significant damage.
With no clear return date, there has been talk about introducing an interim belt to keep things moving until Aspinall is ready.
Tom Aspinall backs Ciryl Gane vs Alex Pereira as an intriguing match-up
Talk of a potential showdown between Gane and Pereira picked up momentum after former Strikeforce champion Josh Thomson mentioned the idea.
Joe Rogan later echoed it on his podcast, saying he had heard rumours about the fight being targeted for an interim heavyweight title.
Pereira has already made it clear that he wants to move up in weight again. He avenged his earlier defeat to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 and then called out Jon Jones for a blockbuster fight.
With that match-up no longer looking likely for the White House card on June 14, ‘Poatan’ appears to be exploring other options within the division. He has openly discussed his ambition to become the UFC’s first triple champion, which has only fuelled interest in new challenges.
Aspinall seems open to the idea, especially if it comes in the form of an interim title fight while he is still on the sidelines.
“It would be a good fight. I think it’s a good stylistic matchup,” the Briton said during a video on Paddy Pimblett’s YouTube channel.
Tom Aspinall is seeking payback against Ciryl Gane
If Gane and Pereira do end up squaring off, Aspinall might find himself conflicted over who he wants to win.
On one hand, a match-up with ‘Poatan’ would pit him against one of the sport’s most recognisable names, and plenty would back the Englishman to exploit some of Pereira’s weaknesses.
But after what happened at UFC 321, it is clear that Aspinall still feels he has unfinished business with Gane. The desire for revenge has not faded.
“Obviously the plan is to go back and beat the living daylights out of Ciryl Gane, that’s the plan,” Aspinall told One on One.
“But right now, the short-term plan is to get back to where I should be and get back in the gym.”
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