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Rumors have circulated that UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira plans to move up to heavyweight and face Alexander Volkov. Despite this matchup not holding water in the eyes of most fight fans, the rumor spread quite fast, with MMA media and fans scratching their heads and providing their two cents.
However, renowned MMA journalist Ariel Helwani put in the final word on the topic, basically debunking all the rumors:
"Alex Pereira’s next opponent will be Magomed Ankalaev, per sources. That’s the plan. No plans of him moving to heavyweight any time soon. In fact, per his team, he’ll need at least six months to move up the way they want him to."
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The Magomed Ankalaev fight has been wished for, rumored to have been booked, reportedly scrapped, and then targeted once again. This remains the only logical matchup for 'Poatan' at the moment.
When Jiri Prochazka weighed in on Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev matchup
ufc-hall-famer-eye-opening-exposition" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-is-sponsored="false">Magomed Ankalaev currently sits at No.1 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings, having the most claim to the spot of challenging for the belt next. Fans and pundits also see the Dagestani fighter's wrestling background as posing the most danger against the surging Brazilian champion - more so than anyone the champion has faced inside the octagon.
One fighter, however, sees things slightly differently. Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka predicted the potential title fight.
According to the Czech fighter, who was knocked out twice by 'Poatan', Ankalaev doesn't stand a chance if he keeps the style he's been utilizing lately. In an interview with Ariel Helwani, Prochazka commented on whether Ankalaev has a chance of beating Pereira:
"I think, no. Especially if he [Ankalaev] fights - like he said - just in stand-up. Sorry, no. If Alex [Pereira] will be in his shape like what he showed in his last fight, 100% no."
Check out Prochazka's comments below:
