Alex Pereira is on the verge of making UFC history next month when he steps into the octagon against Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250. No fighter has ever claimed UFC belts in three different weight divisions, but "Poatan" has the chance to etch his name in the record books after already conquering middleweight and light heavyweight.

However, when asked about what might come after a potential victory over Gane, Pereira threw cold water on the idea of an immediate showdown with Tom Aspinall. Speaking to Eurosport's Alvaro Colmenaro, the Brazilian star made it clear he's open to any opponent the UFC puts in front of him—but he's not convinced Aspinall will be ready in time.

"Any athlete the UFC puts in front of me, I'll be willing to fight," Pereira said. "But honestly, I think if I win the belt, I'm unlikely to fight Tom Aspinall next. Why? Because he won't be ready. Is he training yet? Has he recovered?"

The heavyweight champion has been sidelined by an eye injury and subsequent surgery, leaving his return timeline uncertain. Pereira, known for his relentless fighting schedule, isn't willing to pump the brakes on his momentum. "Everyone who knows me knows I want to fight frequently. Given how his last fight went, when am I going to fight him? I want to fight as soon as possible, so I think he won't be ready. But I hope he will be," he added.

Despite Pereira's doubts, Aspinall has previously stated that the UFC assured him he'd face the winner of Pereira vs. Gane upon his return. The British heavyweight recently shared that his recovery is progressing well, though he's currently training without sparring. For Pereira, the message is clear: if he beats Gane, he wants to keep the train rolling—and he's not about to hit the brakes waiting for anyone.