Chael Sonnen speculates that instead of facing the winner of the UFC 309 fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, Alex Pereira and Tom Aspinall may first fight each other for the interim heavyweight title, potentially setting up a future match with the Jones-Miocic victor.
UFC 309 is almost here, and fans are buzzing with anticipation. Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic are finally set to clash in the octagon. The big question on everyone’s mind: Will the winner retire, or is a mega-bout with Alex Pereira or Tom Aspinall on the horizon?
Chael Sonnen advises fans to hold their horses. On a recent episode of Good Guy/Bad Guy, Sonnen shared his thoughts. He suggests that neither Pereira nor Aspinall will face the winner of next Saturday’s main event immediately. Instead, they might have to battle each other first.
Sonnen elaborates further, saying he has some evidence backing his claim. “I’ve always believed—though it’s just rumor—that Pereira’s next fight will be against Aspinall for the interim heavyweight title,” he said. “And I think it’s gonna happen mid-January in California at UFC 311.”
A Pereira-Aspinall showdown isn’t entirely out of left field. The idea’s been floated before, and both fighters have expressed interest in facing Jones, widely considered MMA’s GOAT. Recently, Jones mentioned he might take on Pereira if he beats Miocic.
But there’s more to consider. Pereira, reigning light heavyweight champ, has a No. 1 contender waiting in Magomed Ankalaev. Yet, without a firm commitment from the UFC on that matchup, Pereira could aim for a third title by moving up to heavyweight.
So, after the UFC 309 winner is crowned, who will the cameras focus on first? With both Pereira and Aspinall expected at Madison Square Garden, Sonnen believes they’ll get some screen time. But not because they’re next for Jones or Stipe.
Sonnen speculates that there’ll be a discussion about matching them up instead. The winner could then challenge Jones or Stipe down the line. It’s purely speculative, but Sonnen offers it as food for thought.
He also mentions hearing that Pereira’s hand might not be ready by December but could heal by January. If you swap Ankalaev for Aspinall, this theory gains traction. Of course, if Stipe wins, everything could change—but Dana White is known for his strategic foresight.
In Sonnen’s view, if all goes according to plan: expect an Aspinall-Pereira collision course soon.