Ever get the feeling that the UFC has been running on a script lately? The past year seems like a recurring episode featuring the same headliners: Jon Jones, Alex Pereira, and Tom Aspinall have been playing their part in this over-the-top drama. Sure, their undeniable skills bring in a lot of attention and perhaps that’s the reason they love teasing their fans; specifically ‘Poatan’.

The man has gained a reputation for saving UFC events by stepping in last minute to fill in important fight slots. Is he about to do that once again? Well, if we go by his latest update, it could very well be a possibility.

Here’s the thing: UFC 313, slated for March 8, 2025, at Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena, has already started generating buzz. With preliminary fights like Alex Morono vs. Carlos Leal and Bruno Silva vs. Joshua Van, the card promises fireworks. But there’s one glaring issue. The main event remains a mystery, and that’s where Pereira’s new story fits in perfectly.

“One way back to my home. Stay tuned this week. Good news, fire up,” the 205lbs god-king teased on his Instagram story. And just like that, fans are left spinning conspiracy theories.

If he indeed wants to fight at UFC 313, who would be his opponent? Magomed Ankalaev is next in line for the title shot but would prefer not to fight in March because of Ramadan. Jones Jones, meanwhile, has been treating the heavyweight division like his personal chessboard. After making Stipe Miocic look every bit his age at UFC 309, Jones has brushed off Tom Aspinall like yesterday’s leftovers. Why?

Because apparently, the interim champ isn’t ‘worthy.’ His eyes are locked on Alex Pereira, but for that fight to happen, one of them will need to budge. Pereira to heavyweight or Jones to light heavyweight.

And Pereira has been busy too. Defending his light heavyweight title three times in 2024, he almost became the division’s reigning workhorse. But, here’s where things get spicy: Is he now borrowing from Jones’ playbook of selective matchmaking?

Is champ Alex Pereira following the ducking playbook?

Let’s talk timing. Pereira’s big return is targeted for March 2025, just in time for UFC 313. But coincidentally, it overlaps with Ramadan, a holy month observed by Magomed Ankalaev, the top-ranked contender at 205 pounds. Coincidence? Strategy? Whatever the case, Ankalaev is conspicuously absent from Pereira’s plans.

Joe Rogan even weighed in, pointing out the Ramadan factor and how it could complicate the #1 light heavyweight contender’s availability. While the Brazilian has remained tight-lipped, the optics don’t look great. Pereira runs the risk of making it look like he is sidestepping the Dagestani powerhouse.

Or wait, could Alex Pereira be taking a page from Jon Jones’ handbook? ‘Bones’ has made no secret of his refusal to fight Aspinall, leaving the interim champ in heavyweight limbo. Now, Pereira seems to be dancing around Ankalaev in a similar fashion. This could be a coincidence, but the parallels are hard to ignore.

Before we slap the “ducking” label on Pereira, let’s consider the alternative. A move to heavyweight might mean he is not avoiding Ankalaev but instead chasing even bigger challenges. Picture Pereira squaring off with a top 5 juggernaut or, better yet, stepping into the Octagon with Jon Jones for a champion-vs-champion super fight. Could UFC 313 be the stage for such a blockbuster showdown?

Meanwhile, Jon Jones isn’t exactly staying silent. He has made it clear he wants Pereira, not Aspinall. But Dana White and the UFC brass seem determined to pit Jones against Aspinall instead, creating a heavyweight gridlock that’s frustrating fans and leaving everyone wondering if Jones will bow out without giving Aspinall his shot.

Do you think Alex Pereira will flip the script and take on the heavyweight division by storm? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.