Imagine a fighter who bounces back from defeat with such ferocity that he silences critics and sets his sights on the biggest stages in combat sports—Alex Pereira is living that dream, and it's got everyone talking!
After spending seven months without the UFC light heavyweight title, Alex Pereira, affectionately known as "Poatan," has reclaimed his throne as champion. Now, with the belt firmly around his waist, he's charting an ambitious path forward, and surprisingly, it doesn't include a third showdown with Magomed Ankalaev. Let's dive into the details and see what makes this fighter's mindset so intriguing.
To recap for those new to the UFC scene, Pereira faced Ankalaev in March at UFC 313, where the bout ended in a contentious decision victory for Ankalaev. But Pereira flipped the script at UFC 320, delivering a devastating first-round knockout that left no room for debate. You can check out the highlights of that explosive KO here, and the full fight is available here. In Pereira's view, the combination of that disputed first outcome and the emphatic second one renders any trilogy unnecessary.
During an interview on Podcast Connect Cast, Pereira reflected on the nuances of those encounters. "In the initial clash, I wasn't at my peak physically or mentally, and it left fans scratching their heads about who really came out on top," he explained. "Personally, I believed I had won, but the uncertainty lingered. I told myself that even a slight improvement—maybe just 10% better—would hand me the victory. Push it further? I'd humiliate him. And that's exactly how it played out." He emphasized the closure this provided: "You don't erase the memory of our rematch or the doubts from the first fight. This one was crystal clear—no ambiguity. So, why bother with another round?" For beginners in MMA, this highlights how judges' decisions can sometimes spark debates, adding layers of drama beyond just the physical battles in the octagon.
But here's where it gets controversial—what if a third fight could settle those lingering doubts once and for all? Some fans argue that rematches are essential for true resolution, while others see Pereira's dominance as the ultimate closure. Do you think the UFC should push for it, or has Pereira made his point?
Fresh off that triumph, Pereira began promoting a potential crossover event with Jon Jones, the legendary fighter often called "Bones," scheduled for June at the White House. You can read more about his call-out here, and for context, this is part of a larger UFC event at the White House in 2026 here. Pereira has long coveted this heavyweight matchup. "I've always fantasized about taking on Jones at heavyweight," he shared. "I considered sticking to my division, but at 38, I'm weighing my career carefully. This feels like the clash that simply must happen."
When asked about bypassing current heavyweight titleholder Tom Aspinall for Jones, Pereira pointed to the allure of stardom. "It's all about the draw, just like with Jon," he noted. "We both carry massive names, and even if one of us falls, the fame stays alive." This choice raises eyebrows—some might see Aspinall as the logical next step for defending the crown, while Pereira prioritizes spectacle. For newcomers, superfights like this are rare, high-stakes battles between stars from different eras or divisions, often drawing massive attention and money, much like boxing's biggest pay-per-views.
And this is the part most people miss—Pereira's strategy isn't just about glory; it's about longevity in a sport known for its physical toll. He departed Las Vegas with a broken foot after the Ankalaev bout, as detailed here, and he's not rushing back. "I'd hold off and recuperate, much like this last stretch," he said. "Since that loss to Ankalaev, injuries have piled up, so a proper recovery period makes sense if the Jones fight is on the horizon."
In his ultimate vision, a successful Jones encounter would pave the way for a boxing transition. As he put it: "Absolutely, I'm eyeing boxing next. It's reminiscent of my kickboxing and MMA journeys—skeptics doubted me then, and they'll likely do the same now. But I'm accustomed to it; I thrive on proving them wrong. This isn't merely chasing bigger paydays; I crave the challenge." For those unfamiliar, boxing involves pure striking without grappling, a stark contrast to MMA's mixed rules, and Pereira's background in kickboxing (striking-focused) gives him a solid foundation, though full-contact boxing adds its own risks, like head injuries.
"I want to be the best," Pereira declares, encapsulating his relentless drive.
What do you think—should Pereira stick to MMA, or is expanding into boxing a smart move for his legacy? Is choosing Jones over Aspinall a stroke of genius or a risky gamble? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree with his no-third-fight stance, or would you love to see more Ankalaev action? Let's discuss!
