UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is set to face Magomed Ankalaev this Saturday. Many speculate that a victory for Pereira would lead him to the heavyweight division. However, could a return to middleweight be on his mind instead?
Pereira will defend his title against Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313 this Saturday in Las Vegas. UFC commentator Jon Anik, who has closely followed Pereira’s career, believes that moving out of light heavyweight doesn’t automatically mean a jump to heavyweight.
Anik stated, “It depends on the fight’s outcome. A dominant win for Ankalaev might not warrant an immediate rematch. However, given Pereira’s popularity and the current light heavyweight contender landscape, other options might be considered. Jamahal Hill is fighting Khalil Rountree, but a match between Ankalaev and Bogdan Guskov might not be the most appealing next step.”
Anik further elaborated, “Alex Pereira is still capable of making middleweight, and he desires to fight Dricus du Plessis. He never defended his UFC middleweight title. If you think he’s not interested in returning to 185 pounds, you’re mistaken. If heavyweight opportunities against Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall don’t materialize, I believe he will aim to drop to middleweight and challenge Dricus du Plessis.”
“Khamzat Chimaev will also factor into these plans, but middleweight seems like a real possibility. Even recently, when questioned about his next move, Dricus du Plessis’s name was the first to come to Pereira’s mind, not Jon Jones.”
Despite an impressive 2024 with three knockout wins, some former UFC fighters, like Daniel Cormier and Matt Brown, have raised concerns about Pereira’s focus and potential distractions outside the octagon leading up to his fight with Ankalaev, considered his toughest test yet.
However, Anik doesn’t share these concerns. He believes the real challenge lies in the opponent Pereira is facing on Saturday.
Anik explained, “I don’t see signs of vulnerability. Pereira is an incredibly hard worker. Anyone watching behind-the-scenes footage can see his strong connection with his team. Whether he’s making appearances or training, he is dedicated to his preparation.”
“The bigger question is the opponent. Ankalaev has the skills to challenge and potentially defeat Pereira. I have no doubt in Pereira’s team’s ability to prepare him. The main vulnerability is simply that he might be facing the best opponent he has encountered in the light heavyweight division.”
