Every fighter eventually comes to the point where they must ask, “What’s next?” Well, Alex Pereira has finally reached that moment following his defeat at UFC 313. After an incredible run that saw him capture and defend the light heavyweight title, ‘Poatan’ was outworked by Magomed Ankalaev over five rounds. It was a tough loss, but Pereira is not one to dwell on the past. Instead, he is already looking towards the future and his next challenge inside the octagon.
Pereira’s defeat at the hands of Ankalaev was a painful setback, but it also showed that he is not invincible. It was a wake-up call for the Brazilian fighter, who had been dominating his opponents with his explosive striking and knockout power. Now, he must regroup and come back stronger than ever before. So, who could be the next opponent for Alex Pereira? Let’s take a look at three potential matchups that could be on the horizon for the former champion.
1. Jiri Prochazka
One of the most exciting matchups for Pereira would be against Jiri Prochazka. The Czech fighter has been on a tear since joining the UFC, with two impressive knockout wins over Volkan Oezdemir and Dominick Reyes. Prochazka’s unorthodox style and knockout power make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the light heavyweight division.
A fight between Pereira and Prochazka would be a striking fan’s dream come true. Both fighters are known for their explosive striking and have the ability to end the fight with one punch. It would be a high-stakes matchup, with the winner potentially moving one step closer to a title shot. This fight would undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser and could potentially earn Pereira a Performance of the Night bonus.
2. Glover Teixeira
Another intriguing matchup for Pereira would be against Glover Teixeira. The veteran Brazilian fighter has been on a resurgence in the light heavyweight division, with five consecutive wins, including a dominant victory over Thiago Santos. Teixeira’s grappling and submission skills would provide a different challenge for Pereira, who has yet to face a high-level grappler in the UFC.
A fight between Pereira and Teixeira would be a classic striker vs grappler matchup. It would be interesting to see how Pereira’s striking holds up against Teixeira’s grappling and whether he can keep the fight standing. If Pereira can defend Teixeira’s takedowns and keep the fight on the feet, he has a good chance of securing another highlight-reel knockout.
3. Anthony Smith
Last but not least, a matchup between Pereira and Anthony Smith would be a fan favorite. Smith is a well-rounded fighter with knockout power and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has faced some of the best in the division, including Jon Jones and Glover Teixeira, and has proven to be a tough opponent for anyone.
A fight between Pereira and Smith would be a true test for both fighters. Smith’s experience and well-rounded skill set would provide a tough challenge for Pereira, who has yet to face a top-ranked opponent in the UFC. It would be a great opportunity for Pereira to prove himself against a seasoned veteran and potentially earn a spot in the top 10 rankings.
In conclusion, while Alex Pereira may have suffered a setback at UFC 313, he is still a top contender in the light heavyweight division. With his explosive striking and knockout power, he is a threat to anyone in the division. These three potential matchups would provide Pereira with the opportunity to bounce back and prove that he is still a force to be reckoned with in the UFC. So, let’s wait and see who Pereira’s next opponent will be, but one thing is for sure, it will be an exciting matchup for fans.
