As for Aspinall vs Pereira, sure why not... Would love to see these guys throw leather but it doesn't really make sense. Just let Pereira fight at 205 and let Aspinall take on all comers of he gets the title from Jones.
That's logical, but the whole problem is that Stipe won't fight Tom. I believe it was Tom who confirmed that in one of the interviews, freshly after Jon's injury was announced.
Frankly, from Stipe's perspective, it would be a stupid move to make. He's effectively (but not officially) retired so will only go for a huge money fight, meaning Jon Jones. Not a bad plan: step into the octagon, dance around, get KOed, get paid, announce retirement and live happily ever after.
But if he were to accept a fight with Aspinal and lose, there would be zero chance of him getting to fight Jones. So it was either Aspinall or Jones for him, and a Jones fight obviously pays incomparably better.
Now, some could say that UFC could force Stipe (or Jones) into certain fights, but the truth is, they don't have much leverage on fighters who are already secured financially and on the verge of retirement. If the UFC put their foot down and said "You have to fight X or you won't fight ever again", they'd just say No and move on to other things, and the UFC would lose a lot on potential income.
Well give Miocic an offer he can't refuse and an assurance that he'll be in the hall of fame. So it's either that or wait for Jon Jones which might not even materialize judging from how Jones is taking his time in getting his shoulder sorted.
And lol... What does Miocic really expect at this point? He's like over 40 and hasn't fought in two years. Lol. He should feel lucky the UFC is still giving him his due.
As for the event this weekend, the more I look at the match ups more closely, the more I'm liking it. Most if these match ups won't go the distance me thinks.
Replay...
Nicolau vs Schnell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8IkU3YK8EQ
I don't see anyone interested in fighting Pereira at LHW either. I don't think Ankalaev has a chance against him or any other else in the LHW that will challenge Pereira. These guys will just waste time until Pereira turns 41 and infirmed. It's the usual game already even in boxing. Pereira wants to fight as he is already 36, it is just a race against time, he'd got to go to the topmost to dominate all the ranks and retire so beating the big guys would be his last act.
I think he already expressed this in an interview and probably the last fight will be Jon Jones if he wins against Tom.
Wups really? Lol. I think Ankalaev can't wait to get his hands on Pereira. The guy couldn't defend a TD even if his momma depended on it. I think Ankalaev will mop the floor with Pereira and I really hope the books will get it wrong and line Ankalaev as a huge underdog now that everybody is convinced that Pereira is like the second coming or something.
As for the coming event, from a betting perspective I like Austin Hubbard at 2.33, Medic and Nicolau parlay at 2.00 and thinking about if I gamble on Guskov at 2.50.
Edit: Here's a fight replay.
Perez vs Formiga
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRTVayIIWag