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Fresh off his commanding victory at UFC 300, Alex Pereira, the reigning light heavyweight champion, finds himself at a crossroads, contemplating his next move inside the UFC octagon. Despite his hunger for fights and record-breaking performances, Pereira remains patient, with no rush to decide on his next opponent, date, or location.
In a recent interview with MMA Fighting’s Trocação Franca podcast, Pereira discussed his options, stating,
"It’s hard to answer that. I haven’t thought too much about it yet...If it’s a longer period of time, I’d obviously rather defend my belt."
While Pereira entertains the possibility of defending his belt, the allure of testing the waters in the heavyweight division remains enticing. With interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall's upcoming bout in Manchester, Pereira acknowledges the potential for a challenge but leaves the decision in the hands of UFC officials.
Acknowledging the social media engagement sparked by Aspinall's post, Pereira remains open to the idea but emphasizes the importance of considering what's best for his career and team.
In considering potential opponents, Pereira views Magomed Ankalaev as a viable option for his next light heavyweight title defense. However, Pereira expresses reluctance to meet Ankalaev's call for a fight in October, preferring an earlier date.
Despite fracturing two toes during his recent victory, Pereira aims to return to training in early May, signaling his readiness for upcoming challenges. Expressing a preference for November fights, Pereira highlights the appeal of competing in Madison Square Garden, where he boasts a perfect record in pay-per-view headliners.
As Pereira deliberates his next move, UFC fans eagerly await news of his next assignment, whether it be a title defense or a venture into the heavyweight division. With his talent and determination, Pereira's journey in the MMA world promises excitement and anticipation for what lies ahead.