Tom Aspinall may not be fighting at UFC Freedom 250, but according to Dana White, the heavyweight champion would have been at the center of one of the promotion’s biggest matchups had circumstances been different.
With the UFC preparing for its historic event on the South Lawn of the White House, fans will instead see former two division champion Alex Pereira take on Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title. Yet White has now confirmed that Pereira’s opponent was originally expected to be Aspinall before injury forced the Briton to the sidelines.
Speaking to TNT Sports ahead of the event, the UFC president left little room for doubt.
Oh, 100 percent. That would’ve been the fight if he was,
White said when asked whether Aspinall would have faced Pereira had he been healthy.
The revelation provides fresh insight into the UFC’s plans for its heavyweight division and highlights just how highly the promotion values the reigning champion.
Tom Aspinall’s Injury Changed Everything
Aspinall has not competed since October when his title clash with Gane ended in a no contest after a series of accidental eye pokes resulted in a serious eye injury.
The 33 year old later underwent double eye surgery and has spent months recovering. While the champion remains eager to return, the injury prevented him from taking part in one of the most unique events in UFC history.
White admitted that injuries across several divisions have complicated the promotion’s matchmaking efforts.
A lot of our champions are hurt right now, White explained. There’s a lot of things you have to deal with when you’re making these matches. Timing and everything else going on in everybody’s lives, injuries. But yeah, it would’ve been Tom.
Instead, the UFC moved in a different direction by booking Pereira against Gane for interim gold.
Pereira Chasing UFC History
While Aspinall’s absence is significant, the replacement fight still carries enormous stakes.
Pereira enters the contest with the opportunity to become the first fighter in UFC history to capture championships in three different weight classes. After winning titles at middleweight and light heavyweight, the Brazilian now has a chance to add heavyweight gold to an already remarkable resume.
The former kickboxing superstar has quickly become one of the promotion’s biggest attractions, earning a reputation for spectacular finishes and headline performances.
A matchup between Pereira and Aspinall has long intrigued observers due to the contrasting styles and star power involved.
White’s comments suggest that the UFC was equally interested in making that fight happen.
Unfinished Business With Ciryl Gane
Despite the appeal of an Aspinall versus Pereira showdown, there remains another compelling storyline.
Tom Aspinall and Gane never settled matters inside the Octagon.
Their meeting last October ended prematurely, leaving plenty of unanswered questions. Should Gane defeat Pereira and claim the interim title, a rematch with Aspinall would become one of the most anticipated heavyweight fights on the UFC calendar.
Interestingly, Aspinall recently admitted he would welcome either scenario.
I want revenge of course, Aspinall said when discussing a potential rematch with Gane. But also, there’s an argument to say that me and Pereira would be a bigger fight.
The champion also offered his prediction for Sunday’s co main event.
I’d be there for sure, Aspinall said. If they asked me, I would definitely go. I’m going to watch it from home anyway, so if you’re there, it’s going to be even better.
Aspinall Waiting for His Opportunity
Although Tom Aspinall will not be present cageside at the White House event, he plans to follow the action closely.
The British star revealed that he has not received an invitation to attend, though he insisted he would happily make the trip if asked.
I’d be there for sure, Aspinall said. If they asked me, I would definitely go. I’m going to watch it from home anyway, so if you’re there, it’s going to be even better.
His focus remains fixed on returning to competition as soon as doctors clear him.
Whenever that moment arrives, the heavyweight landscape could look very different.
Heavyweight Division Awaits Clarity
The UFC’s heavyweight division has spent the past year navigating uncertainty. Injuries, title changes, and unexpected results have created a complicated championship picture.
White’s latest comments confirm that Aspinall remains firmly at the center of those plans.
Whether he eventually faces Pereira or Gane, the UFC clearly sees the Manchester native as the man leading the division into its next era.
For now, Aspinall can only watch as two elite contenders battle for the right to challenge him.
What remains clear is that had his recovery gone differently, the UFC White House card would have featured one of the biggest heavyweight fights in recent memory.
According to Dana White, there was no debate.
A healthy Tom Aspinall would have been standing across from Alex Pereira this weekend.
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