Alex Pereira eyes three super fights after UFC 313

Alex Pereira is preparing for one of his biggest challenges yet as he defends his UFC light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 on March 8, 2025. While fully focused on the upcoming fight, Pereira has already identified three major opponents for the future: Dricus du Plessis, Jon Jones, and Oleksandr Usyk. However, he acknowledges that these decisions depend on the UFC.

Pereira confident ahead of UFC 313

Despite his reserved personality, Pereira does not lack confidence. At a press conference ahead of UFC 313, he discussed his position in the sport and his growing star power.

When asked whether he considers himself the biggest star in MMA, Pereira responded through an interpreter:

“I believe so. I had a busy year with great success. I just keep doing this work, and I believe so.”

Pereira has built an impressive MMA record of 12-2, with 9-1 in the UFC. Known for his striking power and precision, he has a 63% striking accuracy and an average of 5.46 significant strikes per minute. His ability to finish fights has made him one of the promotion’s most exciting champions.

Alex Pereira

Three potential super fights

If Pereira successfully defends his belt, he sees three major fights on the horizon. One possibility is a middleweight superfight with reigning champion Dricus du Plessis. Given Pereira’s past success in the division, a move back down for a blockbuster fight could be a major event.

Another option is Jon Jones, the current heavyweight champion, who is expected to face interim champ Tom Aspinall later this year. Many fans have speculated about a future Pereira vs. Jones matchup, and UFC President Dana White has hinted that such a fight could happen.

The third possibility is a boxing match against Oleksandr Usyk. With the UFC’s increasing interest in crossover fights, Pereira has expressed his willingness to take on the undefeated heavyweight boxer.

“I’m not looking past ahead. A lot of these things haven’t even come into my mind. But what I think for the future, what I have in hand is either Dricus (du Plessis) or Jon Jones or even fighting Oleksandr Usyk in boxing. Those, I see possibly happening. It doesn’t depend on me. It depends on the UFC. So whatever the UFC wants to do, I’ll do it.”

Magomed Ankalaev – a serious challenge

Before looking ahead to potential superfights, Pereira must first deal with Magomed Ankalaev, one of the most well-rounded fighters in the division. The Russian holds an MMA record of 20-1-1 and a UFC record of 11-1-1, coming off a dominant win over Aleksandar Raki? in October 2024.

Ankalaev is known for his balanced skill set, with strong wrestling and striking. He averages 0.92 takedowns per 15 minutes and has an impressive 86% takedown defense rate.

Pereira acknowledges the challenge ahead:

“Absolutely, if I was in the same position that I could watch this fight. Basically or theoretically, it’s a striker vs. a grappler. So if I was a fan, I’d actually want to watch the fight. As a fighter, I want to fight the fight. … He’s a complete fighter, not only a wrestler. He has skills everywhere. But I’m prepared, too. I’ve been training wrestling, grappling, since before I joined the UFC, since I first came to Connecticut to Glover Teixeira. I came there to be an MMA fighter and I’m ready for this.”

What’s next after UFC 313?

If Pereira successfully defends his title, the UFC will have multiple options for his next fight.

Dricus du Plessis has expressed interest in facing Pereira, which could lead to a champion vs. champion showdown.
Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira is a dream fight for many MMA fans and could become reality depending on UFC matchmaking.
A crossover to boxing against Oleksandr Usyk is an ambitious move, but Pereira has already shown interest in testing himself outside MMA.

Summary

Alex Pereira is set to defend his light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. However, if he wins, three massive fights could be next. Whether it’s Dricus du Plessis, Jon Jones, or Oleksandr Usyk, Pereira’s future in combat sports looks bigger than ever.

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