Alex Pereira, the light heavyweight champion and king, who many fans call ‘Poatan’ and chant ‘Chama’ when he enters the cage, has truly become a star for Dana White. The Brazilian kickboxing legend turned MMA phenom has captivated the fans with his stone-cold exterior and killer left hooks that are missiles for his opponents. His journey from a GLORY kickboxing champion to UFC light heavyweight titleholder has been nothing short of remarkable.
Very few fighters have climbed the success ladder as fast and consistently as he has. From being a bricklaying assistant for his dad and working at a tire shop, to becoming the sensational UFC star was a huge journey—but Pereira did it. The 12-2-0 star will defend his title for the 4th time now at UFC 313 against the Dagestani phenom Magomed Ankalaev (20-1-1). But what about Pereira’s future? UFC veterans and fans are all praying to MMA Gods to make him win. And what is the next step for ‘Poatan’ if he wins this time?
What happens if Alex Pereira defeats Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313?
Everyone is supporting Pereira but they know what a hard test it would be against the wrestling star from Dagestan. The only way to neutralize Ankalaev is to use pure striking. The Dagestani fighter has been knocking on the title door for years now. Ankalaev’s southpaw counter-striking style can also pose a threat to the champ. The clash of styles will be dangerous but electrifying nonetheless among the two elite fighters.
Pereira’s last outing against Khalil Rountree Jr at UFC 307 saw him successfully defend his title with a fourth-round TKO victory. However, the fight was not an easy dance as Rountree landed pretty heavy shots in the first few rounds. But, ‘Poatan’ broke down the pressure from Rountree systematically to finally defeat him. Although Pereira is not invincible and has faced losses in MMA twice. His first loss came in his professional debut in 2015 against Quemuel Ottoni at Jungle Fight 82. His second and more prominent loss came from Israel Adesanya at UFC 287 in April 2023.
October 5, 2024, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA: ALEX PEREIRA speaks to the media after his 5-round Light Heavyweight Title Bout at UFC 307 at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City. Salt Lake City USA – ZUMAs346 20241005_zsp_s346_120 Copyright: xAlejandroxSalazarx
However, this time, he plans on defending his title. But there are foes lurking already for a second chance. One of them is Jiri Prochazka who wants a trilogy fight against Pereira since the latter is the only one the ‘Czech Samurai’ has lost to—twice! On top of that, Dana White also gave a huge hint about Pereira’s future recently.
Who will Pereira fight next if he loses against Ankalaev?
Since the Brazilian phenom has saved UFC and stepped in on short notice for UFC 300 and even UFC 303, Dana White is indebted to him. He was White’s favorite fighter since he could step in on short notice and even defended his strap. So the UFC CEO has planned a massive superfight in the future for Pereira. Dana’s recent comments about ‘Poatan’ amid the boss’ new launch of a boxing league have left fans buzzing.
Everyone and their grandmother knows that Pereira wants to make a move to heavyweight and the boss seems on board with it. If Pereira bags a win against Ankalaev, then another major fight awaits him. “There’s no doubt that Pereira could fight the winner,” White said while speaking of the elephant in the room—Jones vs Aspinall and how Pereira could fight the winner.
However, there is also the possibility of a fight against Dricus Du Plessis since the latter wanted a clash with him in HW. On the other hand, during the pre-fight presser for UFC 313, Pereira chose DDP or Jon Jones, either one would do, but ultimately it depends on UFC. So do you think his next fight will be at heavyweight? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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