alex pereira ufc future
Pereira's Rise to Stardom
Pereira's combat sports journey began in the world of kickboxing, where he quickly rose to prominence. He captured the Glory Middleweight Championship in 2017, defending it five times before claiming the interim Light Heavyweight title in 2019 and eventually becoming the undisputed champion in 2021.
His impressive striking skills and knockout power translated seamlessly to MMA, where he debuted in the UFC in 2021 with a stunning flying knee knockout victory. Pereira's rapid ascent continued with a first-round knockout of Sean Strickland, setting up a title fight against his old kickboxing rival, Israel Adesanya.
In a remarkable feat, Pereira dethroned Adesanya at UFC 281 to become the Middleweight Champion. After losing the title in a rematch with Adesanya, Pereira wasted no time in moving up to Light Heavyweight, where he captured the vacant title with a second-round TKO of Jiří Procházka at UFC 295.
alex pereira next fight: Pereira vs ankalaev 2
An Immediate Rematch with Magomed Ankalaev
Following his close loss to Ankalaev at UFC 313, an immediate rematch seems like the most logical next step for Pereira. The fight was a back-and-forth affair, with many observers, including former Middleweight Champion Israel Adesanya, believing Pereira had done enough to win. Ankalaev, however, controlled significant portions of the fight with his grappling and pressure, ultimately swaying the judges' scorecards in his favor.
Ankalaev himself has expressed interest in a rematch, stating that Pereira "kept on running away" and didn't engage in the type of firefight many anticipated. UFC President Dana White has also indicated his openness to booking a rematch, acknowledging the competitive nature of the first fight and Pereira's deservingness of another shot at the title.
However, Pereira's performance at UFC 313 raised questions about whether he was mentally and physically prepared for the challenge Ankalaev presented. His frequent fights, coupled with increased travel and media obligations, may have contributed to a sense of burnout, potentially explaining his uncharacteristic hesitancy in the Octagon. A rematch would provide Pereira with the opportunity to address these concerns, showcase his full potential, and potentially reclaim the Light Heavyweight title.
To succeed, however, he'll need to make some strategic adjustments. As Daniel Cormier pointed out, Pereira needs to diversify his striking arsenal and improve his ability to handle pressure and grappling exchanges.
alex pereira jon jones
A Heavyweight Showdown with Jon Jones
While a rematch with Ankalaev appears to be the frontrunner, a move up to Heavyweight to challenge Jon Jones presents another compelling option for Pereira. Jones, widely considered one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time, has openly expressed his desire to face Pereira, even suggesting it would be a bigger fight than his upcoming bout with Tom Aspinall. Dana White has also fueled speculation about this potential super-fight, acknowledging the marketability and excitement it would generate.
Pereira's size, reach, and devastating striking power, evidenced by his remarkable 62.1% significant strike accuracy in the UFC, would undoubtedly pose a significant threat to Jones. A victory over Jones would not only propel Pereira to the pinnacle of the Heavyweight division but also etch his name in MMA history as a three-division champion.
However, this path is not without its obstacles. Jones is likely obligated to defend his title against interim champion Tom Aspinall first, potentially delaying a clash with Pereira. Furthermore, Daniel Cormier has raised concerns about Pereira's physicality at Heavyweight, suggesting he might be at a disadvantage against larger, stronger opponents.
alex pereira next fight
Exploring New Horizons
Beyond the immediate options within the UFC, Pereira has expressed interest in exploring opportunities outside the Octagon. He has mentioned the possibility of facing Oleksandr Usyk. the reigning WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO Heavyweight boxing champion, in a crossover boxing match. Usyk has reciprocated this interest, and with the rise of new boxing promotions like TKO, this fight could be a lucrative venture for both athletes.
Furthermore, Pereira has hinted at a potential return to Middleweight. This move would allow him to bypass the immediate logjam at Light Heavyweight and potentially set up a trilogy fight with Israel Adesanya. Interestingly, Pereira recently extended an offer to train with Adesanya, suggesting a potential shift in their rivalry.
alex pereira ufc future
Conclusion
Alex Pereira's future in combat sports is brimming with possibilities. Whether he chooses to avenge his loss to Ankalaev, challenge the legendary Jon Jones at Heavyweight, or venture into new territories, one thing remains certain: Pereira's explosive fighting style and captivating personality will continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
As fans eagerly anticipate his next move, Pereira has the opportunity to further solidify his place among the all-time greats in MMA history.
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