Alex Pereira has come under fire by a light-heavyweight contender for sharing his “dream” to step into the boxing ring! ‘Poatan’ recently saved the UFC 303 card by stepping in on two weeks’ notice to defend his light heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka after Conor McGregor’s withdrawal due to an injury, leaving the card in jeopardy. With a stunning head-kick knockdown and follow-up shots in the second round, Pereira made a successful second defense of his crown and secured a ‘Performance of the Night’ bonus as well.

Now, riding high on a 4-fight win streak, Pereira has revealed that he is considering his options for the future which include aspirations to move up to heavyweight. However, in a recent social media post, boxer Anthony Joshua indicated that he would be interested in seeing ‘Poatan’ bring his skills over to the world of boxing. ‘Poatan’ has expressed his openness to the idea, but he has been called out by Magomed Ankalaev who claimed that the champion is trying to avoid challengers for his belt in the UFC.

Alex Pereira’s boxing “dream” gets slammed by Magomed Ankalaev despite Anthony Joshua’s approval  

During his post-fight interview at UFC 303, Alex Pereira indicated that a move up to heavyweight is, “in my future” but during another interview later on the same night, Pereira claimed that, “I still have challenges [at light heavyweight], I want to keep defending my belt, I want to keep training and showing results.”

Nevertheless, according to British heavyweight boxing star, Anthony Joshua, there might be another option for ‘Poatan’ to pursue. In a post made on X Joshua stated, “Alex Pereira should make a boxing debut one day” to which the Brazilian responded by stating, “I’m honored you think so. It’s always been my dream, I’m 37 I cannot make a career in it so who do you recommend I fight?”

The Brazilian already had an extensive and highly successful career in kickboxing before he made his way over to MMA and as such, isn’t a complete stranger to competing inside the squared circle. But the idea of the champion moving over to pursue a different sport hasn’t sat well with Magomed Ankalaev.

With a UFC record of 10-1-1 (1 no-contest) and currently holding the number 2 spot in the 205 lbs division, Ankalaev responded on social media by stating, “One more UFC champion want to run to boxing because he knows he’s going to lose his belt next”

As Pereira navigates his future options, the tension between pursuing his dream and defending his current title adds an intriguing layer to his career with challengers clamoring for a chance to de-throne ‘Poatan’ in the Octagon. Ankalaev’s campaign for a title shot didn’t end with the jabs about Alex Pereira’s boxing dreams, as in a recent interview he also made a stunning claim about the Brazilian knockout artists’ striking skills!

Ankalaev claims ‘Poatan’s striking skills are “overrated”

Alex Pereira’s left hook has become the stuff of legends in the MMA world. With 6-finishes under his belt in just 9 UFC fights, it’s hard to deny the striking acumen of the former 2-weight Glory kickboxing champion and the first man to win the middleweight and light heavyweight titles in the UFC.

However, Magomed Ankalaev doesn’t believe that Pereira’s striking skills aren’t anything to write home about. In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, the light-heavyweight contender stated, “Definitely he has a strong punch but I think overall his standup is overrated”. Ankalaev also claimed that “He’s lucky he hasn’t faced a serious opposition, as I said, the wrestling is there, but I’m ready to fight with him standing up and test him out.”

In conclusion, it remains to be seen if Ankalaev can live up to his remarks if the UFC decides to set up a clash between him and Pereira next. However, ‘Poatan’s interest in a boxing match could also lead to another massive chapter in his already storied combat sports career. 

Do you think Alex Pereira should pursue a boxing fight next or defend his crown against Magomed Ankalaev? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!