Alex Pereira, the two-time UFC light heavyweight champion, will be temporarily sidelined following his emphatic victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320. In a rematch that served as redemption for his previous loss, Pereira stopped Ankalaev in just 80 seconds with a flurry of precise strikes, reaffirming his dominance in the division.
However, the victory came at a cost. During a Q&A session ahead of UFC Rio, Pereira confirmed that he sustained a broken foot in the fight. “I’ve got a broken foot, and it will keep me out for the immediate future,” the 38-year-old Brazilian explained, tempering the excitement of fans eager to see him continue his reign.
Future Plans: UFC White House showdown
Despite the setback, Pereira has made his intentions clear. The former kickboxing star expressed his desire to return at the planned UFC White House event next summer to take on retired legend Jon Jones. Fans have long speculated about a potential matchup between the two, especially given the buzz surrounding Alex Pereira’s dominance at light heavyweight and previous talk of a move to heavyweight.
This anticipated clash could be one of the biggest events in UFC history. Pereira’s current trajectory, including his recent avenged win over Ankalaev and previous triumphs over fighters like Jiri Prochazka, sets the stage for a high-profile showdown. “Poatan” had initially claimed the vacant light heavyweight belt by stopping Prochzka and successfully defended it three times, all via finishes, before losing a unanimous decision to Ankalaev at UFC 313.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and training
While the timing of Alex Pereira’s return is contingent on his recovery, the Brazilian remains focused on the long-term goal. His injury, though unfortunate, does not seem to deter him from planning a future high-stakes fight against one of the sport’s all-time greats. The UFC White House event is shaping up to be a marquee stage for Pereira to showcase his skill set once again.
Fans and analysts alike will closely watch his rehabilitation and eventual return to the Octagon, particularly with the promise of a dream matchup against Jon Jones looming on the horizon. Pereira’s blend of striking precision and finishing ability ensures that, when healthy, he remains a formidable force in the UFC landscape.