Alex Pereira, the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion, is basking in the glory of his recent victory at UFC 300, but he’s not rushing into his next move. Following his lightning-fast defense against Jamahal Hill, Pereira remains open-minded about his future plans in the octagon.
In a recent interview with MMA Fighting’s Trocação Franca podcast, Pereira reflected on his options, considering whether to defend his belt or venture into the heavyweight division. Despite his dominant performance, Pereira revealed that he’s nursing two broken toes, which complicates his decision-making process. He expressed concerns about holding up the light heavyweight division if he pursues fights in the heavyweight category.
UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has caught Pereira’s attention, particularly after his social media post during Pereira’s entrance at UFC 300. Aspinall announced his upcoming title defense in Manchester, sparking speculation about a potential clash with Pereira. However, Pereira emphasizes that the decision ultimately rests with the UFC and his management team.
While Magomed Ankalaev emerges as a possible contender for Pereira’s next title defense, Pereira isn’t entirely sold on the idea of facing him on Ankalaev’s proposed timeline. Pereira aims to return to training in early May after recovering from his toe injuries and prefers not to wait until the end of the year for his next fight.
In considering his options, Pereira favors a November bout, ideally at Madison Square Garden, where he has previously showcased his prowess with two title-winning knockouts. Fighting close to home in Danbury, CT, holds significant appeal for Pereira, making a Madison Square Garden pay-per-view event an enticing prospect.
As Pereira navigates his post-UFC 300 journey, fans eagerly anticipate his next move, whether it involves defending his belt, pursuing heavyweight glory, or engaging in another electrifying showdown at Madison Square Garden.
