Alex Pereira has big plans after UFC 320.
On Saturday night, Pereira regained his light heavyweight title and knocked out Magamed Ankaraev in the rematch. The victory brought Pereira back to the top of the heap at 205 pounds, and quickly raised the issue of “Poitan” next issue. Carlos Ulberg is next in line at 205 pounds, while middleweight champion Kamza Chimaev also tried to insert it into the conversation, but neither matchup is interesting for the former light heavyweight king.
Before losing the title to Ankaraev earlier this year, Pereira openly sought a move to heavyweight, challenging another title, becoming the first three division champion in UFC history. It took the back seat to Ankaraev after their first fight, but now that Pereira has returned to the top, it makes sense that it’s still on his radar. Except he doesn’t want a match against the upcoming heavyweight title fight between Tom Aspinel and Cyril Gaine. Instead, Pereira set her sights on another opponent.
“I was going to ask for all the respect, respect for the situation… John Jones in the White House, but everything that happened isn’t the right time to talk about it,” Pereira said.
Jones retired earlier this year after he decided not to unify his aspinel and heavyweight belts. However, once the UFC White House card was announced, Jones ended his brief retirement and began lobbying for a spot for that card.
“I want a super fight. It’s going to be in the White House with John Jones. It’s a super fight.”
Whether that is possible is an unresolved question. UFC CEO Dana White has repeatedly declared that he can’t trust Jon Jones enough to book him on the UFC White House card, and on top of that, he doesn’t seem excited to see Pereira pursue his heavyweight ambitions now that he’s regaining a light heavyweight title. However, “Poitan” suggests that the latter is not a problem.
“I don’t think that’s necessary,” Pereira said of giving up the title. “Everyone knows how often I fight, so that doesn’t matter.”
Perhaps not, but the UFC is increasingly uninterested that the champions are moving their weight classes and holding the title. So, if the UFC defends Pereira next to his light heavyweight belt, he will be open to it and indifferent to who he faces.
“The best,” Pereira said when asked who he wanted next. “Anyone is the best.”