UFC Heavyweight King Tom Aspinall does not think that one of his championships are the honor he deserves.
Aspinall, which was raised to undisputed status after the controversial retirement of Jon Jones, is a leading favorite at fans in the UFC.
This is due to both his results in the Kooi-van Aspinall's knockouts against Curtis Blaydes and Sergei Pavlovich to his submission towards Alexander Volkov-and his reaction to the refusal of Jones to fight him.
It is safe to say that not every champion is kept in such a high esteem under the masses, and Asinall has astonished a copy of an undervalued title holder.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty images
Tom Aspinall evokes that Magomed Ankalaev 'is given his flowers'
Alex Pereira was once a heavy fixture in discussions about Jon Jones and Aspinall. But talking about 'Patan' that goes to heavyweight in an attempt to let history cool when it was not allowed of the light heavyweight throne.
The man who was responsible for ending Pereira's brutal reign on 205 pounds was Magomed Ankalaev, whose comfortable victory over the Brazilian at UFC 313 apparently was not enough to win many fans who continue to criticize his fighting style.
During an interview with Newsweek, Aspinall called for Ankalaev to get more appreciation of the fan base while assessing a potential fight with the rival of Dagestani.
“If I was him (Pereira), I think I would like to get the light heavyweight belt back and that would win. I think he has to do work,” Aspinall said.
“I think it is also a difficult fight for him in a rematch. I think Ankalaev is really good. I think people should give him his flowers a bit, because the man is really, really good.”
Tom Aspinall has a supporter in Magomed Ankalaev
When it comes to Aspinall's defense of Ankalaev, the feeling seems to be mutual.
The Dagestani has also shown his appreciation for the champion in the weight class above, and he even supported the Brit while Jones delayed the career of Aspinall by refusing against him.
“Johnny Steroid Machine was very disappointed that I defeated Alex. Please fight Big Tom Aspinall, stop running,” wrote Ankalaev on X.
“Big Ank [handshake] Big Tom, “he added in a separate message.
With their apparent new friendship in mind, Aspinall seems to be safe for every threat of two-division ambitions of the title holder below.