Alex Pereira is currently without a next opponent. But having defeated many of the current top light heavyweight contenders, there is one obvious choice, the No.1-ranked Magomed Ankalaev.
The Russian previously competed for the 205-pound title against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 282. The pair went to battle for the vacant belt, but the fight was ruled a draw and the title remained without an owner.
Blachowicz then faced Pereira at UFC 291 in the Brazilian's divisional debut. 'Poatan' secured a split decision win and the Polish native has not competed since.
The former light heavyweight champion is now set to return at UFC London against Carlos Ulberg this March. Ahead of the bout, he was interviewed by MMA Fighting and shared his thoughts on the potential clash between Pereira and Ankalaev.
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He said:
"If Pereira's going to win, it's good for me because I deserve a rematch. If Ankalaev's gonna win, we've had a draw, so we also have some business to do... If Ankalaev's gonna fight against Pereira like he fought his last fight [against Rakic], he's going to lose. This is my opinion."
Blachowicz continued:
"If he's gonna be in this shape, this mentality, the way he is fighting right now, he's gonna lose."
Catch Blachowicz's preview of Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev below (10:20):
Alex Pereira owns up to making Magomed Ankalaev wait for his title shot
Alex Pereira's 2024 season saw him defend the light heavyweight title three times in a seven-month span, with every win coming via knockout. However, none of those fights came against Magomed Ankalaev, the consensus No.1 title contender among fans.
The Russian has shared bold predictions for his potential bout with 'Poatan' but has yet to be granted a second crack at UFC gold.
Pereira's recent fights against Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree Jr. have seen Ankalaev point the finger at the light heavyweight champion, accusing him of avoiding a clash with the top-ranked contender.
During an interview with MMA Junkie at the annual World MMA Awards last month, the 37-year old was asked about a clash with Ankalaev and said:
"Like I said before, it comes down to my choice. I want to make it harder for [Ankalaev] because of all the lies that he said about me. Let's see what's next."
Catch Alex Pereira's comments below (2:30):