The UFC landscape is constantly changing, and recent developments suggest that Alex Pereira’s future may be changing in unexpected ways. #2 ranked lightweight contender Magomed Ankalayev’s title shot will have to wait a long time. Ankalayev, who narrowly lost the tournament two years ago, is still proving to be a top contender. But Dana White and the UFC appear to have other plans.
Ankalaev’s Waiting Game: Title Shot Delayed
Ankalayev’s manager Rizvan Magomedov recently discussed the UFC’s plans in an interview. He confirmed that Ankalaev will step into the Octagon against another lightweight contender later this year. However, he did not announce an opponent or date, indicating that the UFC has yet to make an official announcement.
Magomedov expressed disappointment at the delay, saying, “I think somewhere in the beginning of 2025 we should expect this fight, it’s probably a fight I agree with you, Magomed Ankalayev should fight for nothing but a title the. From what I understand, the organization has a slightly different plan for Alex Pereira. If we won’t stop, we already have dates and fights. Magomed Ankalaev fight time will be announced shortly. And after that, I think we will definitely fight for the title.”
This revelation caused a buzz among UFC fans, especially since Pereira has already faced five top heavyweights who are not coming off a loss, with the exception of Ankalayev. The question now is whether the UFC can promote Pereira to heavyweight.
Alex Pereira has stated his intent to fight at heavyweight The fighter is setting his sights on the 270-pound title, and with it, possibly becoming the UFC’s first-ever tri-division champion This aspiration has drawn attention from the interim heavyweight champion Tom Espinal and the undisputed heavyweight champion Jon Jones are willing to face Pereira if he moves up.
Espinal also proposed a heavyweight title bout at the end of November in UFC 309. The plan would be to make him face Pereira as the co-headliner bout with the possibility of facing the winner of Jones and Miocic bout. This idea quickly gained the enthusiasm of the fans and fighters in preparations for making a memorable event.
Dana White’s Career: Is this then a change of course?
Although, Dana White has time and again dismissed Pereira’s notions of moving up to the heavyweight, telling the Brazilian to “get through” his first 205-pound division, but Magomedov’s utterances point towards the promotion’s possible change of mind around. If other lightweights are not part of Pereira’s campaign plan, then it can be deduced that White is gradually accepting the notion of a heavyweight bout.
This new format of fights could significantly alter the roster of the UFC and Pereira might end up facing either Jones or Espinal next. At the moment, Ankalaev will have to wait patiently and wish that his next bout will help him in earning the title shot that he has been gunning for.
What course UFC has planned for Alex Pereira going forward remains unknown, but the path to luminous bouts along with the dream of historic records is slowly beginning to unveiling itself. When the setting is introduced, readers can guess as well as look forward to great things to happen in the future.
