What’s Next For Alex Pereira?
Alex Pereira lost to Magomed Ankalaev as the latter won the UFC Light Heavyweight Title, raising questions about Chama’s next steps.
Pereira was defending his UFC belt for the fifth time, aiming to solidify his position as one of the best P4P fighters in the world. But Pereira lost to the leading contender in the division, who was undefeated in his last 13 fights. Alex must take a rematch, given that Ankalaev is the champ. Pereira has also cleaned out the other names in the division with wins against Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka and Khalil Rountree Jr. Alex did say he is willing to fight anyone regardless of their record. However, that would require the UFC to pay Ankalaev a lucrative sum to sway him to take the rematch.
Pereira Reacts
“I knew it would be a war. Every fight of mine is a war. He put some pressure in the second round. I felt some of his strikes but putting me up against the cage, he didn’t really do anything. We followed our strategy. [And] we know that he puts people against the fence and he plays that game.
“Giving him the win with a game plan like that kind of incentivizes people to do that against people. People might say it’s a boring style but when a guy gets a win doing that, it kind of makes people want to do that, too. I hurt him against the fence, the only difference was I was the one against the fence,” Pereira said
Implications
This is vital since Alex could move up to heavyweight and chase history. He has been linked with a fight against the UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones. The latter is facing increasing pressure to take on Tom Aspinall. Dana White has said that Pereira could face the winner of that bout, raising speculation that the fight will get made. A win at heavyweight would make Pereira a three-weight world champion, following his belts at middleweight and light heavyweight, going down as one of the best fighters of all time.
This loss to Ankalaev has hindered Alex’s plan to chase a boxing bout at Oleksandr Usyk. The Brazilian has said he is confident the fight can take place this year, as Usyk is also keen on it. That would require the UFC to consent to this, which may happen following Dana White’s entry into boxing. The CEO of the UFC announced TKO’s partnership with the Saudis, as reports indicate their first event could happen in September. That fight may arguably earn Pereira the highest payday of his career. White did put on Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather in 2017, showing it is possible if the economics make sense. Either way, Alex has plenty to ponder moving forward.
Full Card
Magomed Ankalaev wins against Alex Pereira by unanimous decision (49-46, 48-47, 48-47).
Justin Gaethje wins against Rafael Fiziev by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Ignacio Bahamondes wins against Jalin Turner by submission (triangle choke) at 2:29 of Round 1.
Amanda Lemos wins against Iasmin Lucindo by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
Mauricio Ruffy wins against King Green by KO (spinning wheel kick) at 2:07 of Round 1.
Joshua Van wins against Rei Tsuruya by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).
Brunno Ferreira wins against Armen Petrosyan by submission (armbar) at 4:27 of Round 2.
Carlos Leal wins against Alex Morono by TKO (strikes) at 4:16 of Round 1.
Mairon Santos wins against Francis Marshall by split decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28).
Ozzy Diaz wins against Djorden Santos by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28).
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