5 opponents for Alex Pereira's 2025 return since he claims it's not Magomed Ankalaev
Alex Pereira is 2024's top fighter in the UFC. He defended his belt three times, defeating two former champions and a dangerous knockout artist, stopping all of them. Now, though, many wonder what he will do next come 2025? The shadow of Magomed Ankalaev looms large over the division.
Unfortunately for the Dagestani contender, Pereira recently tweeted out that Ankalaev will not be the next challenger for his light heavyweight title. Whether true or not, it seems to be a continuation of Pereira's disregard for Ankalaev. So, if not him, who will 'Poatan' face when he makes his first 2025 octagon walk?
He isn't short on options, with some potential foes not even being fellow light heavyweights.
#5. Alex Pereira vs. Israel Adesanya
The most unlikely option for Alex Pereira is an MMA trilogy bout with Israel Adesanya. The two men have a well-known history with each other, with one win a piece under the UFC banner. While 'The Last Stylebender' previously dismissed facing Pereira again, his career is currently at a crossroads.
He is on a two-fight losing streak and no longer a permanent fixture in the middleweight title scene. At the moment, he is set to face Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Fight Night 250. If he loses that fight, although unlikely, it would mean three consecutive losses at middleweight and an end to his 185-pound title aspirations.
However, a move to light heavyweight could rejuvenate his career. He would almost certainly be given a title shot due to his history with Pereira and the amount of interest such a bout would generate. The only asterisk is whether Adesanya himself would be interested. It's not impossible, just improbable.
#4. Alex Pereira vs. Khamzat Chimaev
Alex Pereira and Khamzat Chimaev have some history. The unbeaten Chechen once devoted a fair amount of time to calling him out, claiming that he could easily outwrestle 'Poatan' and capture his light heavyweight title. Pereira, however, was dismissive of the brash middleweight.
Now, though, a rumor has floated across social media claiming that in light of the Brazilian's claim that Magomed Ankalaev isn't his scheduled foe. The aforementioned rumor suggests that the UFC is, in fact, planning a stunning light heavyweight title fight between Pereira and Chimaev.
Chimaev has never fought at light heavyweight and he seems to be eyeing the winner of the Dricus du Plessis vs. Sean Strickland clash. However, if a bout with Pereira does indeed materialize, it would be among the most curious matchups of 2025. However, it is unlikely, with the UFC having made no announcements.
#3. Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill
Jamahal Hill has been determined to avenge his humiliating UFC 300 loss to Alex Pereira, who knocked him out with supreme ease in one of the biggest cards of the year. Unlike many potential Pereira challengers, Hill actually has a solid path to a rematch, for more reason than one.
First, he has kept his name in the news cycle by deepening his feud with 'Poatan.' Second, Pereira offered him a condition of sorts. In short, if Hill manages to beat Jiří Procházka at UFC 311, 'Poatan' claimed he would be willing to face him in a rematch. This matchup, though, is conditional.
Hill will have to overcome a dangerous foe with unorthodox striking, blistering speed, and seismic punching power. While it's a winnable fight, it presents a serious danger to his desire to rematch Pereira. Regardless, the carrot has been dangled in front of him. Hill needs merely to catch it.
#2. Alex Pereira vs. Tom Aspinall
Alex Pereira has made it clear that he is aiming to become the UFC's first three-division champion. There are only two options for him to do so: either fight Tom Aspinall or Jon Jones. Both matchups depend on what decision 'Bones' will take when it comes to his career.
Jones recently disclosed his desire to fight twice more in the UFC, but if he by some chance opts to retire because the promotion refuses to pay him the sum of money he'll demand, then Aspinall will be promoted to undisputed heavyweight champion and Pereira will eye a bout with him instead.
Aspinall, for his part, already expressed a willingness to face Pereira, and if the undisputed heavyweight title is on the line, there would be no reason for 'Poatan' to disregard the opportunity in favor of racking up light heavyweight title defenses. But it all depends on Jones, speaking of which.
#1. Alex Pereira vs. Jon Jones
While Jon Jones has repeatedly scoffed at the notion of fighting Tom Aspinall to unify the heavyweight belts, he has been more than willing to accept a bout with Alex Pereira. 'Bones' claims it is due to the Brazilian having far more name value and a stronger legacy.
Many, though, suspect that Jones is hoping for an easier fight against an opponent with poor defensive wrestling and low-level grappling. Regardless, it is a fight that is within the realm of possibility. Pereira has made clear his goal of becoming the UFC heavyweight champion.
Furthermore, the bout with Jones is one that's been pushed for by Jones himself and even longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan. It could happen, especially with UFC CEO Dana White claiming that if both 'Poatan' and 'Bones' truly demanded it, he might concede.