Tom Aspinall recently analyzed Alex Pereira ahead of UFC 307. ‘Poatan’ is set to face Khalil Rountree in a high-stakes light heavyweight title bout. Aspinall highlighted what made the Brazilian one of the most dangerous fighters in the octagon. The interim champion also discussed a potential showdown if ‘Poatan’ ever moved up the weight class. Here is what happened:
TNT Sports recently did a Fight Lab episode with Tom Aspinall. In that video, the interim UFC heavyweight champion broke down Alex Pereira‘s technique, leading to his meteoric promotion. Apart from the kickboxing and the devastating hook, Aspinall pointed out one thing about the Brazilian technique that stood out. It was when Aspinall highlighted that ‘Poatan’ fought relatively safe.
Everything he does, he’s very safe. Because he doesn’t want to get taken down. I don’t know how he fought another weight. He is so tall for the weight division.
Tom Aspinall via TNT Sports
Aspinall emphasized how quickly Pereira transitioned from being relatively unknown to a two-division UFC champion. He also labeled ‘Poatan’s left hook “one of the best-left hooks in MMA.” Pereira initially made his name in kickboxing. He transitioned to MMA and captured the UFC middleweight title before moving to light heavyweight. There, he quickly earned the title by defeating former champion Jiri Prochazka.
Tom Aspinall breaks down Alex Pereira’s style of fighting and explains why it’s so effective
🎥 @ufcontnt #UFC #MMA #UFC307 pic.twitter.com/p0ktKNnh24
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) October 1, 2024
Aspinall also said he would be “more than happy” to welcome Pereira to the heavyweight division. He pointed out how Pereira was “massive” and could jump up to the heavyweight division. The Brit is ready to take on ‘Poatan’ if the UFC wants to make that fight happen. He is excited about the challenge and ready to stake his place for the undisputed heavyweight title.
Netizens react to Tom Aspinall breaking down Alex Pereira’s style
The clip of Tom Aspinall breaking down Alex Pereira’s techniques caught the attention of fans on social media. People went to the comment section to share their thoughts and reactions to his breakdown.
Aspinall’s analysis impressed the fans. They even thought Khalil Rountree could get something useful from the breakdown. Here are some of the reactions from X:
Khalil Rountree watching this pic.twitter.com/z8vj2Q6OAi
— Dana Fairydust White (@danafairydust) October 1, 2024
Its effective because he fights very low level fighters
He wouldn’t make it to the ufc as a lw or bw— MAZDHAR (@MAZDHARMMA) October 1, 2024
Once both Jones & Stipe retire after their fight. I want to see Tom vs the winner of Gane/Volkov which I assume will be Gane since he beat Volkov before. If Tom is able to beat Gane & if Pereira is able to beat Khalil & then Ank, then Tom vs Pereira at HW could be a future fight
— The Combat Sports Matrixer (@TheCSMatrixer) October 1, 2024
Solid breakdown. Tom is all in on mma right now. Reminds me of how Conor used to break down fighters when he was obsessed
— TooFastTooFurious (@NoCrust) October 2, 2024
That’s a nice break down by Tom Aspinall on Alex Pereira fight style
— Bruce (@Tonybru76) October 2, 2024
Great explanation! It’s really simple but he’s so long and powerful you have to be very careful
— MSOElevator (@MSOElevator) October 1, 2024
tom Aspinall explains stuff very good
— Ansh Rathod (@anshrathodfr) October 2, 2024
I love watching that Strickland KO more than any other. Pure beauty plus who doesn’t love Strickland getting slept? Not me.
— Genghis (@EverestTopTeam) October 1, 2024
We know this already because many others have explained his style like Stephen Thompson did on his yt channel, but the thing is, can you really see those things coming, specifically that leg kick, not even a mastermind like adesanya figured it out, is just hard and sneaky
— mlk sonhador (@Davifmendess) October 1, 2024
I would love to see Aspinall and another fighter or two host a show *just* about fighting- techniques, strategy, no narratives or anything besides the Xs and Os, similar to the Mind the Game that LeBron & JJ Reddick did. He would be so good at that.
— Rob W (@robertandorbert) October 2, 2024
If Pereira succeeds against Khalil Rountree, the speculation around a move to heavyweight could grow. UFC CEO Dana White had previously turned down the idea of a move to heavyweight for Pereira. Interestingly, Pereira was more interested in fighting Jon Jones for the UFC heavyweight title. If Jones retires, Aspinall vs. Pereira for the undisputed title is a possibility.
