Originally, Alex Pereira was slated to advance into the heavyweight category in ultimate fighting. His aspiration was to etch his name in UFC lore by being the first-ever titleholder in three different weight classes. The keystone for this remarkable achievement was his UFC 313 clash against Magomed Ankalaev, which unfortunately for Pereira, ended in favor of Ankalaev, who wound up with the title around his waist.
Even though Pereira didn’t secure a victory in this crucial battle, hopes remain high concerning his potential performance in the heavyweight league. And yet, a minor hurdle lies on the path towards capitalizing on this enormous opportunity.
Pereira still sits on the precipice of an enviable heavyweight fighting career. His dynamic approach in the arena positions him perfectly to adjust to the heavyweight division’s rigors. However, a question hangs in the air regarding the sequence of events leading to his possible transition to heavyweight.
According to conventional wisdom within the UFC fraternity, Pereira’s path to the heavyweight class may need to include regaining his erstwhile light heavyweight crown. This course appears to be in line with a certain traditionalism within the UFC, even as Pereira seems capable and ready to charge straight into the heavyweight scene.
Adding another layer of intrigue to the narrative, rumors hint that the UFC powers are already setting the chessboard for a rematch. Rumblings about this development have been loud enough that even Magomed Ankalaev, the current light heavyweight champion, has taken the liberty to voice his opinions on it.
Ahead of UFC 313, Ankalaev had confidently predicted his ascendency to the light heavyweight throne. And as the result demonstrated, his prophecy turned into reality. However, his triumph didn’t come without a dash of controversy, as many fans believed the judging panel may have erred on this occasion.
The majority of the audience members, as well as some pundits, opined that the bout’s true victor was Pereira, not Ankalaev. This dispute concerning the rightful winner has fueled speculation and unrest over the judges’ decision, causing many to question the fight’s final outcome.
In the wake of these divisive views, a highly anticipated rematch is possibly in the works. Ankalaev himself has contributed to the whirl of chatter by making public remarks aimed at Pereira during a post-fight conference.
As the UFC universe braces itself for one of the largest and most anticipated rematches in recent memory, the speculation and intrigue continue to mount. The forthcoming days promise a whirlwind of activity, mounting expectation, and a keen sense of anticipation as the cogs of the rematch machine churn into motion.