Step Six: Pray Someone Other Than Tom Aspinall Is The Next Undisputed Heavyweight Champ

Update: While I still believe Tom Aspinall’s combination of size and athleticism would prove too much for Pereira, the Light Heavyweight Champion proved against Roundtree he’s able to adjust well when facing someone who possesses both power and speed. There’s no telling what will happen once Aspinall takes the fight to the ground, but after UFC 307, I’m less worried about what he’d do to Pereira on the feet. Yet, for this GOAT thing to go the way I want it to, I’d rather not find out for certain.

Part of what’s so unfortunate about Pereira not getting to fight Jones is I don’t think he can beat Tom Aspinall. The Interim Heavyweight Champion has a combination of size and athleticism that the Brazilian hasn’t had to face at 185 or 205, plus he has youth on his side.

I know what you’re thinking: “You’re saying Alex Pereira has a better chance against Jon Jones than Tom Aspinall?!” Yes, that’s exactly what I’m saying. Because despite remaining unbeaten, Jones ended his run at 205 on a visible decline and is now returning to heavyweight following a catastrophic injury. Tom Aspinall is the far more dangerous opponent today, given those circumstances.

A win over Aspinall wouldn’t be impossible, especially with Pereira’s one-punch power and Tom’s subtle defensive recklessness on the feet. But if we’re plotting a path to Poatan’s third belt in the UFC, there are easier roads to get there that don’t go through the UK.