What's Next For Alex Pereira After The Ankalaev Win?

Alex Pereira stopped Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 to reclaim his UFC Light Heavyweight Title, as we look at what is next. 

Pereira needed just a round to get his opponent out of the octagon to avenge the defeat in the first fight at UFC 313 where he lost his UFC Light Heavyweight Title. Alex started on the front foot, throwing numerous low leg kicks to keep the Russian on the back foot. As Pereira closed the distance, he caught Ankalaev clean with a right hook.

The Russian was hurt, as he tried desperately to secure a takedown. The takedown failed, allowing Pereira to get on top of his man. As he did so, he let fly with numerous elbows to the body and head, forcing the referee to stop the fight. Alex now has the following options.

Options

Instagram: jirkaprochazka

If Alex stays at light heavyweight, he could take on former champion Jiří Procházka in a trilogy. Their two previous fights ended in TKO victories for Pereira. However, Procházka solidified himself as the leading contender by stopping Khalil Rountree Jr. on the same UFC 320 card. A third fight would be marketed as the definitive conclusion to their rivalry.

Instagram: carlosulberg

Another option at the weight class is Carlos Ulberg, who recently extended his winning streak to nine on the spin, with a knockout of Dominick Reyes. Ulberg has a win over Jan Blachowicz, showing he can compete at the top level. Ulberg’s last UFC loss was all the way back in 2021 at UFC 259 against Kennedy Nzechukwu, when he had his first fight under the promotion.

Instagram: tomaspinallofficial and championeurope

Instagram: jonnybones

A potentially career-defining move for Pereira is a switch to the heavyweight division. Pereira has discussed the grueling weight cut to 205 pounds, making a move up likely. By challenging for the heavyweight title, Pereira would also be attempting to become the first-ever three-division champion in UFC history—a feat that would instantly cement his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

The most desirable opponent for this monumental task would be either the UFC Heavyweight Champion, Tom Aspinall, or a legacy fight against the former two-division champion Jon Jones, who is looking to fight at the UFC White House event in June 2026.

Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com.