Alex Pereira’s next fight is already in the works, according to his next contender who claims that negotiations have begun.
The Brazilian just knocked out Jiri Prochazka two weeks ago at UFC 303, but is already in discussions for his next light-heavyweight title defence. It was his second short-notice fight this year after saving the main event of UFC 300, but he seems keen to squeeze in one more before year’s end.
While many are keen to see him move up to heavyweight to compete for a third belt, that doesn’t seem imminent. Instead, he is likely to make yet another defence of his belt against Magomed Ankalaev, who many feel may have his kryptonite with a strong grappling base.
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Magomed Ankalaev claims he is ‘in negotiations’ for Alex Pereira fight
The main contender now for Alex Pereira’s light-heavyweight belt is Magomed Ankalaev. Prochazka maintains the number one spot despite losing by TKO to the Brazilian twice, but the next contender up is the Russian, who hasn’t lost since a last second submission from Paul Craig in his debut.
He is currently riding an unbeaten run that extends over 12 fights, with a draw and a no contest sprinkled in amongst victories. And speaking with TMZ Sports recently, he noted that he is now already at the point of signing contracts for a title showdown with Pereira.
“I believe that’s the next one,” Ankalaev said through a translator. “It’s been a long time in the making, we are waiting for our contracts to be signed and I think there is no way he escapes this one, I think we are going to face each other.
“As of now it’s in deep negotiations, it’s really up to Pereira to confirm it. But I think logically with all of the teams looking into it I think that’s the logical next. He’s been impressive but I think it’s going to be a relatively easy fight for me.”
Alex Pereira gives prospective date for UFC comeback
Alex Pereira is currently enjoying some much-needed time off following his back-to-back knockout wins. But with talks underway for his return to the octagon, he is planning to take a slightly longer break between bouts despite wanting one more in December or November.
He headlined the last two UFC shows at Madison Square Garden against Prochazka and Israel Adesanya, and has a great success rate on the November date. But he seems more likely to look towards December, which is usually a Las Vegas pay-per-view.
“When I return, it won’t be now,” he said in a video on his YouTube channel. “I want to rest a little, evolve my training. But I think December would be a good date for me. November or December. But before November I don’t want to return. I want to rest and evolve.
“My focus is to defend my belt, doesn’t matter who. A lot of people say Ankalaev, that’s who they are talking about now. People are focused on him. But I’m training well, not just for him, but for anyone. It’s a good fight for me to fight. I’ll be well prepared for him, or anyone.”
Alex Pereira dismisses heavyweight move for next fight
While many, including Joe Rogan, want to see Pereira immediately jump up to heavyweight to fight for an unprecedented third belt, he isn’t so sure. The division currently has two champions; Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, and he is really only keen on the former.
“It doesn’t interest me to fight [Aspinall] at the moment,” Pereira added in the video. “To be honest, heavyweight isn’t my goal, it isn’t my main focus. Tom Aspinall, not talking him as a fighter, I’m talking positions.
“I think I’m in another position now. It doesn’t make sense for me to fight for the interim belt, honestly. If I go to heavyweight, I would fight for the belt. Like I said, I’m 37, so I have to go straight to the top, straight to the belt. If it’s Jon Jones, if it’s Tom Aspinall, whoever, it doesn’t matter to me.”
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