Tom Aspinall and Israel Adesanya's Reactions To UFC 313 Event

In the aftermath of UFC 313, both Tom Aspinall and Israel Adesanya shared their thoughts on the event, particularly focusing on the main fight where Magomed Ankalaev defeated Alex Pereira for the light heavyweight title.

Israel Adesanya, a former champion who has faced Pereira multiple times, expressed shock and disappointment at Pereira’s performance. He believed that Pereira had advantages going into the fight but felt that he did not capitalize on them effectively.

Adesanya noted that he had initially expected Pereira to win, predicting a knockout in later rounds due to his striking prowess. However, after watching the fight unfold, he acknowledged that Ankalaev executed a solid game plan that kept Pereira on the back foot throughout most of the match1.

Adesanya’s analysis highlighted specific moments in the fight where he felt Pereira could have done better. He mentioned that Ankalaev’s pressure and grappling skills were key factors in securing his victory.

Tom Aspinall also weighed in on Pereira’s loss during discussions following UFC 313. He emphasized that Ankalaev’s performance showcased weaknesses in Pereira’s game that could be exploited by other fighters moving forward.

Aspinall stated that if he had been in Ankalaev’s position, he would have capitalized even more aggressively against Pereira3. His comments suggest a belief that there are vulnerabilities within Pereira’s fighting style that can be targeted by opponents who adopt a similar strategy to Ankalaev.

Aspinall further indicated that this loss might complicate future matchups for both himself and Jon Jones, as there were speculations about potential fights involving these fighters against Pereira if he remained champion4.

Both fighters’ insights reflect their understanding of how quickly dynamics can change in mixed martial arts and highlight their readiness to adapt to these changes as they pursue their own championship aspirations.

The reactions from Tom Aspinall and Israel Adesanya following UFC 313 reveal their perspectives on Alex Pereira’s unexpected defeat at the hands of Magomed Ankalaev. Both fighters recognize how this outcome reshapes potential matchups within their divisions while expressing support for Pereira as he navigates this setback.