Tom Aspinall comes to the defense of Alex Poatan's tormentor and demands support from fans: 'He's very good'

Tom aspinall face Alex Poatán at a UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Newly promoted to the position of linear heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg) with the Jon Jones Retirement, Tom aspinall doesn't seem interested in looking for opponents in the lower division. In fact, although there has been speculation about a duel with Alex Poatán, the Englishman turned his attention to Magomed Ankalayev and demanded better treatment from fans towards the owner of the light heavyweight belt (up to 93 kg).

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In an interview with the website 'Newsweek' last Tuesday (8), the British downplayed the possibilities of facing Poatan in the near future and even took the opportunity to preach respect for the Russian.

"If I were him (Pereira), I think I'd like to win back the light heavyweight belt and beat him. I think he has work to do. I think it'll be a tough fight for him in a rematch as well. I think Ankalaev is very good. I think people should start giving him flowers a little, because he's a very, very good guy," Aspinall said.

Alex Poatán alongside coach Plínio Cruz after defeat in UFC 313. Photo; Reproduction X/UFC News

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Poatan is expected to have a rematch with Ankalaev in 2025.

Pereira's famous walkout #UFC313 #PereiraVsAnkalaev pic.twitter.com/pKAB9OMI0h

— X Fights (@XKnockouts) March 9, 2025

The Brazilian ended up being defeated by Ankalaev in the main fight of the UFC 313, in March. After five rounds, the São Paulo native lost by unanimous decision. Since then, neither has returned to the octagon, and the rematch is expected in the final months of this year, possibly in October. Despite this, there is still no official date for the second meeting between the two.