The highly anticipated UFC 313 event delivered shocking results, with Alex Pereira losing his Light Heavyweight Championship to Magomed Ankalaev. This outcome raises questions about Pereira’s future in the division and whether a move to the Heavyweight division is the best path for him.
Alex Pereira’s Loss and the Possibility of Moving to Heavyweight
Pereira’s transition from Middleweight to Light Heavyweight was a strategic move after his loss at 185 pounds. He successfully captured the 205-pound title but faced a tough challenge against Ankalaev, who proved why he was the number one contender. Given Pereira’s history of moving up weight classes, it might be time for him to bulk up once again and compete in the Heavyweight division.
A move to Heavyweight could benefit Pereira in several ways:
Less weight cutting – Cutting weight has always been a challenge for Pereira, and moving up could help maintain his power and stamina.
Power advantage – His striking remains one of the most feared in the UFC, and it could translate well in the Heavyweight division.
New matchups – Heavyweight offers exciting potential fights against names like Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane.
Magomed Ankalaev: A True Threat at 205
Ankalaev’s victory cements his position as the dominant force in the Light Heavyweight division. Many fans speculated that Dana White was hesitant to book this fight due to Ankalaev’s ability to derail star power, which has now come true. Ankalaev’s grappling-heavy game plan worked perfectly against Pereira, proving that he was well-prepared for the fight.
With Ankalaev as the new champion, the Light Heavyweight division is now in an interesting position. Fighters like Jiri Procházka, Jan Błachowicz, and Jamahal Hill could all be in line for a title shot.
What’s Next for the UFC?
One of the biggest challenges for the UFC now is selling pay-per-view events. Pereira was a major draw, and with him losing the title, Dana White may struggle to create blockbuster fights in the Light Heavyweight division. With popular names like Jon Jones and Israel Adesanya sidelined or competing in different divisions, the UFC needs to build new superstars to keep fans engaged.
Final Thoughts
Alex Pereira’s loss at UFC 313 is a pivotal moment in his career. If he decides to stay at Light Heavyweight, he will need to improve his takedown defense to compete against wrestlers like Ankalaev. However, a move to Heavyweight could open up new opportunities and allow him to utilize his power without extreme weight cuts.
As for the Light Heavyweight division, Ankalaev’s reign has begun, and it will be interesting to see how the UFC books his first title defense. With the pay-per-view market potentially suffering, the UFC may need to make bold matchmaking decisions to keep fans excited.
What do you think is next for Alex Pereira? Should he stay at Light Heavyweight or move up to Heavyweight? Let us know in the comments!