The main event of UFC 303 saw UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira successfully defend his title against Jiri Prochazka. The fight ended in round two after a kick by Pereira knocked Prochazka out, marking another title defense for the dominant champion.
Alex Pereira has made it clear that he eventually wants to move up to the heavyweight division to become a three-division champion, but what are his chances of doing so? He has already dominated the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions in the UFC, so it might just be time for him to conquer another one.
Dominant Run at Light Heavyweight
Alex Pereira has had a historic run in the light heavyweight division, despite just completing his fourth fight in that weight class. After a short but dominant sting in the middleweight division, Poatan decided to move up to 205 to test himself against the best there.
His first fight was against contender Jan Blachowicz, in a fight that saw Pereira win via split decision. He then competed for the vacant UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 295 in a fight against Jiri Prochazka, which he won via a controversial second-round TKO, as some considered it an early stoppage.
He then defended his title at UFC 300 against #1 contender Jamahal Hill, in a contest many expected to be competitive but ended quickly as Alex knocked Hill out in the first round. Pereira was slowly transcending into the greatest of all-time category.
Just weeks before UFC 303, Conor McGregor had to pull out of his main event fight against Michael Chandler, forcing the UFC to look for a new main event. To the surprise of everyone, Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka decided to step in on short notice to give the UFC fans a fight. Alex once again beat Prochazka in that rematch, but this time there was no question about it.
Potential Fight Against Magomed Ankalaev?
Though Alex Pereira has let it be known that he intends to eventually move up to heavyweight, his next fight will likely be against Magomed Ankalaev where he defends his UFC Light Heavyweight Championship once again.
Ankalaev has been on a roll in the UFC, as his only MMA loss came in 2018 and he has been dominant ever since. He got a championship shot at UFC 282 against then-champion Jan Blachowicz, but the fight ended in a draw resulting in no title change.
His last win came against top 10 ranked Johnny Walker in a fight that ended in a round 2 knockout. Ankalaev has very well earned a title shot against Alex Pereira, and that will likely be respected before Poatan decides to take his talents to the 265-pound division.
How Would Alex Pereira Do At Heavyweight?
Even though Alex Pereira has been dominant his entire time in the UFC, the heavyweight division is a lot more dangerous for him due to the size disadvantages he may have. However, Alex would be entering that weight class as one of the most skilled fighters there, maybe just behind Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.
If Alex Pereira were to beat Magomed Ankalaev, he would be facing off against the UFC Heavyweight Champion whenever he decides to move up in weight. Jon Jones will likely look to defend his title at UFC 309 in a legacy fight against Stipe Miocic, though nothing has been confirmed yet.
During that period, interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall will be defending his title against Curtis Blaydes. It’s the first time an interim champion will be defending their title in over a decade. The reason for this is that there have been talks about Jon Jones possibly wanting to retire after a fight with Miocic.
It’s unknown whether interim UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall and UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones will have their highly-anticipated matchup, due to Jones hinting at the idea that he doesn’t want to fight Aspinall. Either way, both of those fighters might give Alex his best test throughout his time in the UFC and wins over them could turn him into the greatest fighter of all time.
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