Alex Pereira’s next fight has become a hot topic in UFC. Inactive since his third title defense last October, ‘Poatan’ has been slated to fight Magomed Ankalaev for some time now. However, he put a dampener on those plans when he tweeted, “It won’t be Ankalaev,” in December. Rumors of him facing Alexander Volkov emerged, with an eye on moving up to the heavyweight division. However, Ariel Helwani reported that the plan is still to have Pereira vs Ankalaev but Jan Blachowicz has added to the chaos.

Blachowicz has not had the best of luck in the last two years. His only appearance in 2023 ended with a split-decision loss to Pereira. Then last year expected to face Aleksandar Rakic, but a double-shoulder surgery meant he missed the entire year. He will now return to action when he takes on Carlos Ulberg at UFC London in March, but he is already targeting a rematch with Pereira.

Speaking with MMA Fighting, he said that he holds no grudges with Pereira since they last fought and the success the Brazilian has enjoyed. But he believes he has a point to prove.

Blachowicz said, “Of course, I have a lot of respect for him and what he’s done but this doesn’t change anything. I want a rematch against him and after this fight — I’m focused on this fight right now — but if I win and I believe I’m going to win the fight, the next one will be against him. I deserve this rematch, like nobody else in this division.”

Blachowicz and Pereira first squared off in 2023 which marked Alex Pereira‘s 205lbs debut. Their three-round battle was a hard-fought affair, ultimately ending in a split-decision victory for the Brazilian. Since then, Blachowicz has been outspoken about wanting a rematch, repeatedly calling on UFC CEO Dana White for the opportunity. Before this, he fought to another close split draw with Ankalev in 2022 and both fights are on his mind.

While there is uncertainty around the Pereira-Ankalaev, Blachowicz wants to face whoever comes out of the fight with the title. “For me, if Pereira wins, it’s good for me because I deserve the rematch. If Ankalaev wins, we’ve got [history] so also we have some business to do. It’s also good to take the rematch against Ankalaev,” he said.

In October, when Pereira successfully defended his title for the third time against Khalil Rountree Jr. which led Jan to raise concerns about the UFC’s matchmaking decisions, suggesting that the promotion was shielding ‘Poatan’ by matching him with lower-ranked opponents, essentially giving him preferential treatment.

Pereira has announced his targeted return in March, coinciding with the rumored UFC 313 event in Florida. However, this timeline has sparked significant controversy, as it overlaps with the holy month of Ramadan. Critics have accused the Brazilian of strategically timing his return to avoid the #1 ranked 205fer who observes Ramadan owing to his faith.

UFC commentator Joe Rogan even added fuel to the debate, stating, “If he’s [Alex] fighting in March, when is Ramadan? Ankalaev wouldn’t be able to fight during that time… That’s exactly the period when the Pereira wants to fight.” As Ramadan entails fasting and restricts rigorous training, fans suspect Pereira’s decision may be an attempt to sidestep a formidable challenger. Pereira faces a stylistic challenge from Ankalaev, celebrated for his exceptional grappling and striking.

UFC 313 is scheduled on March 9, right during the month of Ramadan. As such uncertainty looms over the show’s main event. However, following Pereira’s tweet in December hinting that he won’t be facing Ankalaev, the Russian fighter responded in kind, making clear that the two are destined to square off.

He tweeted on Saturday, “@AlexPereiraUFC you going to do what you been told. You are an employee. See you soon.” A day earlier, Ariel Helwani also confirmed that the fight was on.

“Alex Pereira’s next opponent will be Magomed Ankalaev, per sources. That’s the plan. No plans of him moving to heavyweight any time soon. In fact, per his team, he’ll need at least six months to move up the way they want him to,” he said. Still, if the fight is scheduled for March, there has been announcement around it from UFC and the main event of the card in Las Vegas remains undecided.

Pereira has been eager to make the jump to the heavyweight division eyeing a fight against Volkov. This could then set up a clash with the winner of the rumored Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall bout. But all that seems to be a far-fetched notion at the moment, with Pereira likely to stay at 205lbs.

While a fight against Blachowicz could be looming, right now all the attention is geared toward his much awaited showdown with Magomed.

Ex-UFC champion’s honest prediction for potential Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev

Following the rumored Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall fight, the next major clash occupying the minds of fans and oddsmakers alike is the lightweight showdown between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev. This fight has been a topic of speculation since last year, and its likelihood of happening is increasing as ‘Poatan’ could face Ankalaev shortly—unless Pereira opts to move to the heavyweight division, a transition that remains uncertain. However, White has dismissed reports about the Brazilian moving up in weight.

Despite the fight still being far from certain, it hasn’t stopped UFC legends Henry Cejudo and Kamaru Usman from discussing it on their YouTube podcast, “P4P.” Like many fans, both fighters are eager to see how Pereira’s elite kickboxing skills would fare against Ankalaev’s Dagestani wrestling.

While many favor Ankalaev’s grappling ability, Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist, believes ‘Poatan’ would prevail, downplaying Ankalaev’s wrestling. Cejudo confidently stated, “I don’t see a threat in Ankalaev against Alex Pereira. So, I’m going to have to go with Alex Pereira, dude. I think he can remain champ.”

When Usman reminded Cejudo of his earlier prediction, where he had suggested Ankalaev could dethrone Pereira, Cejudo explained, “Why, Kamaru? Because he [Ankalaev] doesn’t use it [wrestling]. He doesn’t do it in fights. And he’s talking about wanting to stand on his feet. There’s nobody at 205 with any type of grappling, besides Jan Blachowicz.”

What are your thoughts on a potential matchup between Alex Pereira and Jan Blachowicz? Is this the fight that fans are eager to see, or should the Brazilian consider leaping to the heavyweight division to face fighters like Tom Aspinall or Jon Jones? Who do you believe would be the ideal next opponent for Alex Pereira at 205 lbs? Share your opinion below!