TOM ASPINALL has finally explained why he shared a photo of himself looking at Alex Pereira after UFC 300.
The Atherton killer was in the Octagon on last month’s historic tricentennial card in Las Vegas, which was headlined by Pereira’s first defense of the light heavyweight title.
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Aspinall watched as ‘Poatan’ brutally knocked out former champion Jamahal Hill in less than four minutes after casually deflecting a blow to the groin.
The interim UFC heavyweight champion also had his eye on Pereira as he walked to the Octagon and posted a Photograph of himself looking at the Brazilian to Instagram before the dust even settles on UFC 300.
The photo had no caption, but it spoke for itself, although Aspinall insists he posted it because it looked “good.”
In an exclusive interview with SunSport, he laughed and said: “I didn’t want [poke the bear]I did not want.
“I thought it was a good photo, so I posted it. Nothing more, nothing more.”
Aspinall may downplay the goal’s true significance, but his respect for two-division champion Pereira and the potential clash is clear and evident.
When pressed further, he added: “Well, he was talking about moving up to heavyweight.
“So I thought it was very appropriate, that’s all. Again, I’m a huge fan of Alex.
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“He’s a great fighter, [he’s] I have plenty power and his striking is great. He’s really hot right now and I think it will be a great combination.”
Aspinall is expected to defend her interim 265-pound title at UFC 304, although the UFC is still working on an opponent for her homecoming.
So how about welcoming ‘Poatan’ as a heavyweight home?
“That would be incredible,” admitted Aspinall when asked about the prospect of facing Pereira in Manchester. “That would be something.”
The 31-year-old continued: “Absolutely [I’d welcome to him heavyweight.] You can ask anyone, man, who’s ever been involved in my career, the UFC bosses or anyone.
“I don’t say no to fights.
“I’m not the guy who gets like this; if I say no to fights, in my opinion, I’m in the wrong sport. I’m here to fight people and that’s it.
“Many MMA fighters make mistakes and start going in the wrong direction.
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“[They] start going celebrity route and doing all these other things.
“I’m here to fight people and that’s what I want to do. That’s what I like to do, that’s what I spent my life doing.
“And until I stop enjoying it, this is how I will spend my days. Training to fight people and eventually fight them.
The UFC is unlikely to grant Pereira’s desire to let him move up to heavyweight – let alone fight for the interim belt – anytime soon, as he still has work to do at light heavyweight.
Aspinall is very aware of the unlikelihood of the fight happening any time soon.
But that won’t stop him from dreaming of ending his career with the name of the new fan favorite on his resume.
He said: ‘I’m a big fan of Alex. I’m a big fan of everyone who fights. Do you know what I mean? Especially guys like Alex, Jon [Jones] etc etc.
“In the years to come, when I retire and look back and think, ‘I fought these guys,’ that would be Cool.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
