The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) never lacks controversy, and the recent fight between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev is no exception. The bout has sparked heated debates among fans, with some claiming that Pereira was “defeated” despite the official decision. However, UFC heavyweight star Tom Aspinall has stepped in to set the record straight. In a recent interview, Aspinall exposed what he called “delusional” fans who misinterpreted the fight’s outcome. His revelations will shock many and may change how the fight is viewed.
Alex Pereira, the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion, entered the octagon against Magomed Ankalaev in a highly anticipated clash. Both fighters brought elite striking and grappling skills to the table, making for a technical battle. However, after a close contest, the judges awarded the victory to Pereira, leading to an uproar from some segments of the MMA community.
Many fans and analysts expected Ankalaev to dominate with his wrestling, yet Pereira displayed remarkable takedown defense and precision striking. Still, some fans were convinced that Ankalaev had done enough to win and flooded social media with claims that Pereira was “defeated” and that the judges got it wrong.
Tom Aspinall, a rising UFC heavyweight known for his sharp fight IQ and unbiased opinions, weighed in on the debate. Speaking candidly, he dismissed the claims that Pereira was “defeated,” arguing that fans often misinterpret what actually happens in the cage.
_”People don’t understand how fights are scored. Just because someone lands takedowns doesn’t mean they’re winning the fight,”_ Aspinall said. _”You have to look at effective striking, control, damage—those are what the judges prioritize.”_
Aspinall pointed out that Pereira’s striking was cleaner and more impactful than Ankalaev’s wrestling attempts. Even though Ankalaev secured a few takedowns, he struggled to inflict significant damage. Meanwhile, Pereira landed precise shots that clearly hurt his opponent.
According to Aspinall, many fans lack an understanding of the UFC’s judging criteria, which explains why they believe Pereira was “defeated.” The official scoring system prioritizes:
– **Effective striking and grappling**
– **Damage inflicted on the opponent**
– **Octagon control and aggression**
Ankalaev may have taken Pereira down, but he failed to control him effectively or land meaningful strikes. On the other hand, Pereira’s striking was more significant, which ultimately led to his victory.
_”Damage matters more than just control. People think wrestling always wins fights, but if you take someone down and do nothing with it, that doesn’t count for much,”_ Aspinall explained.
Following the fight, Twitter and Reddit exploded with opinions from MMA fans, with many arguing that Pereira had lost. Some even went as far as accusing the judges of corruption. However, Aspinall believes this backlash is driven by misunderstanding rather than reality.
_”People love to cry robbery every time their favorite fighter loses,”_ he stated. _”But if you actually watch the fight and know how scoring works, you’ll see that Pereira did more damage and deserved the win.”_
Aspinall also criticized some analysts and YouTubers who fueled the controversy for clicks and engagement. He argued that misinformation spreads quickly, especially among casual fans who may not fully grasp how fights are scored.
MMA judging has been a hot topic for years, with many fans and fighters frustrated by inconsistent decisions. However, Aspinall emphasized that in this case, the judges got it right.
_”I’ve seen bad decisions before, but this wasn’t one of them. Pereira landed the better shots, controlled the pace, and avoided damage. Ankalaev had moments, but not enough to win,”_ Aspinall stated.
He further highlighted that Pereira’s striking precision and defensive skills outweighed Ankalaev’s wrestling control, making the victory justified under current UFC scoring rules.
With this win, Alex Pereira solidified his status as one of the most dangerous fighters in the light heavyweight division. His ability to neutralize wrestlers like Ankalaev proves that he is evolving beyond just a world-class kickboxer.
Aspinall believes that Pereira’s performance sends a message to the division:
_”Pereira is a real champion. If you can stop Ankalaev’s wrestling and still win, you’re legit. People need to stop doubting him.”_
The win puts Pereira in a strong position to defend his title against the next top contender, possibly setting up a blockbuster fight in the near future.
Tom Aspinall’s insights shed light on why the claims that Alex Pereira was “defeated” in his fight against Magomed Ankalaev are baseless. Fans who believe otherwise may not fully understand MMA scoring and are influenced by social media narratives rather than facts.
Pereira’s victory was well-earned, and Aspinall’s breakdown of the fight exposes the flaws in fan perception. As the UFC continues to evolve, understanding judging criteria will be crucial for both fighters and fans alike.