As we bid farewell to 2024, this year will undoubtedly go down as one of the most unforgettable for fight fans. Packed with exhilarating UFC events and electrifying performances, it has been a rollercoaster of action. Among the standout names that have defined the past 12 months is none other than the UFC light heavyweight kingpin, Alex Pereira. A fighter who has not only carved his name into the annals of UFC history but also secured an enduring place in the hearts of fans worldwide.

Many might have considered Pereira’s entry into the UFC at age 34 late, given his kickboxing background, but what followed was a meteoric rise. In just 3 years, ‘Poatan’ has stamped his legacy as one of the biggest sensations in Dana White’s multi-billion-dollar promotion. His willingness to step in for the organization whenever needed to fill last-minute “holes” in fight cards, coupled with his remarkable consistency, has made him an indispensable figure.

With 10 fights in just under three years, the Brazilian has triumphed in 9 of them, claiming two-division champion status along the way. This incredible achievement has not only silenced his critics but also sparked widespread curiosity about his future. But what’s next for the stone-faced assassin in 2025? How long can this “long-distance runner” continue to dominate the UFC? Let’s explore why Alex Pereira has the potential to secure his place as of one the UFC GOATs in 2025. Without further ado, let’s dive in!

A chance at record-breaking title defenses for Alex Pereira

In 2024, Alex Pereira distinguished himself from other fighters by breaking records and becoming the UFC’s second most active fighter, following Kevin Holland, with three fight appearances just seven months apart. His journey kicked off at the historic UFC 300 in April, followed by a fight at UFC 303, originally set to showcase the return of superstar Conor McGregor. However, when McGregor pulled out, it was ‘Poatan’ who stepped in to save the event. Major outlets like Forbes, which hailed him as “the man who saved UFC 303″ widely acknowledged this.

Pereira then continued his dominance at UFC 307, extending his win streak to five and successfully defending his 205lbs gold three times, and that too in a total of 175 days, which is a company record. His stellar performance in 2024 solidified his place as a top contender, earning him the #3 pound-for-pound ranking at the end.

In terms of striking, Alex Pereira now boasts the second-best knockout rate per 15 minutes, ranked #6 alongside veterans like Luiz Cané and James Irvin. With a significant strike accuracy of 67.2%, he remains a force to be reckoned with. These impressive stats only strengthen the argument for ‘Poatan’ as a potential UFC GOAT in 2025. Even middleweight star Khamzat Chimaev, a renowned grappler with rumors of a future bout against the reigning champion, has spoken highly of his striking, admitting, “I know he can knock me out.” With all of this in mind, why not consider Pereira as one of the UFC GOATs in the making?

First UFC star to go for a triple UFC title glory

Earlier this year, Alex Pereira made a statement that sent shockwaves through the MMA community after successfully defending his light Heavyweight title for the second time in a rematch against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303. In a bold move, ‘Poatan’ hinted at a potential jump to the heavyweight division, saying, “If it’s Jon Jones if it’s [Tom] Aspinall, whoever, to me, it doesn’t matter. I’m just visualizing the belt.” In the UFC world, no fighter has come this close to becoming a potential three-division champion, a concept that has sparked widespread admiration, including from Jon Jones.

Moreover, Jones has even called Pereira the perfect opponent to cap off his UFC career. With Jones’ iconic status and Pereira’s meteoric rise, the prospect of a showdown between the two has quickly become one of the most anticipated matchups in MMA history. Jones himself dubbed the fight a “r-d panty night,” signaling the potential for massive PPV sales and live gate revenue. While Dana White initially downplayed the idea, his recent cryptic statement at UFC Tampa—”I’ve got something in the works that you will never f—king see coming for 2025″—has sparked renewed speculation.

As a result, fans are now eagerly anticipating the possibility of an Alex Pereira vs. Jon Jones fight. If this matchup comes to fruition, the reigning 205lbs champion would make history as the first fighter to challenge for a triple championship—an unprecedented feat that could, without a doubt, cement his legacy as the UFC GOAT by 2025.

The next face of the UFC in a post-Conor McGregor era?

For long-time UFC fans, there’s no forgetting the electric atmosphere created by Conor McGregor. The mere mention of his name could send the crowd into a frenzy, filling arenas and breaking PPV records. McGregor has etched his name into UFC history, standing alongside legends like Brock Lesnar, Royce Gracie, Georges St-Pierre, and Ronda Rousey. However, since his 2021 leg break, McGregor’s absence sidelined him, leaving a noticeable void in the UFC’s hype and excitement.

But as McGregor’s reign momentarily faltered, a new star rose from the world of kickboxing. Alex Pereira made a swift and powerful transition to MMA, quickly gaining attention and becoming a key player. His rise to prominence has not only boosted UFC PPV sales but also reshaped the promotion’s future. Earlier this year, ‘Poatan’ shocked fans at UFC 303, filling the void left by McGregor and drawing a level of excitement reminiscent of the Irishman’s heyday—despite McGregor’s recovery being delayed due to a pinky toe injury.

Pereira’s impact has been so profound that even UFC veteran and analyst Daniel Cormier posed the question, “Think about the face of the company. With his durability, activity, and willingness to fight, is Alex Pereira now the face of the UFC?” Looking ahead, McGregor’s highly anticipated return to UFC, now reportedly being pushed to November 2025 for the annual Madison Square Garden event, sets the stage for a fascinating showdown.

However, Pereira, a two-division champion, can very well solidify his legacy as the UFC’s new face. What do you think about Alex Pereira’s potential in 2025? Will he continue to dominate the Light Heavyweight division, or could we see him make an impact in Heavyweight? the reigning champion will undoubtedly keep fans on the edge of their seats. Stay tuned for more updates.