UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has become one of the most talked-about fighters in 2024 following an incredible run of title defenses. However, UFC commentator Joe Rogan has offered a compelling explanation for why a highly anticipated showdown with top contender Magomed Ankalaev may not happen anytime soon, citing scheduling and personal tensions as possible reasons.
Alex Pereira’s standout year and his evolving ambitions
2024 has been nothing short of monumental for Alex Pereira. The Brazilian champion defended his light heavyweight title three times, delivering electrifying performances that solidified his status as one of the UFC’s most dominant athletes. His efforts earned him the Fighter of the Year award, edging out other elite fighters like Ilia Topuria in a hotly debated race.
After his third title defense against Khalil Rountree Jr., Pereira hinted at a bold move to the heavyweight division. This suggestion gained traction after heavyweight champion Jon Jones expressed interest in a potential clash with Pereira. Despite the excitement surrounding this matchup, UFC CEO Dana White cautioned that Jones must first face interim champion Tom Aspinall, leaving Pereira’s light heavyweight future in question.
Joe Rogan’s perspective: Why Ankalaev might not get the call
On The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan shared his thoughts on why Pereira vs. Ankalaev may not happen next. “Ankalaev is extremely dangerous. He’s on a 13-fight unbeaten streak and has been waiting for a title shot for a long time. But Alex doesn’t seem interested. He doesn’t like how Ankalaev has been talking trash, so it looks like he’s saying, ‘Let him wait,’” Rogan explained.
Rogan also noted a potential logistical issue: Ramadan. “Pereira wants to fight in March, but that’s during Ramadan, which means Ankalaev wouldn’t be able to compete. That’s a huge scheduling problem right there,” Rogan added. These timing conflicts, combined with Pereira’s apparent disinterest, could force the UFC to explore alternative opponents for the reigning champion.
Who could be Pereira’s next opponent?
With Ankalaev possibly out of the picture due to timing issues, speculation is rife about who Alex Pereira might face next. One of the names making rounds is Carlos Ulberg, a rising star in the light heavyweight division. Pereira himself recently teased his presence in Australia in February, coinciding with the timing of UFC 312. This has led many to believe a matchup with Ulberg could be in the works, though no official announcement has been made.
Another name that briefly entered the conversation was Khamzat Chimaev. While fans were intrigued by the idea of Chimaev stepping up for a shot at the 205-pound title, this seems to be mere speculation with no concrete plans in place. Meanwhile, the possibility of Pereira moving up to heavyweight looms large, with a potential super fight against Jon Jones generating immense fan interest. Such a fight would undoubtedly be one of the biggest events in MMA history, but it would require Pereira to vacate his light heavyweight title and for the UFC to align its matchmaking strategy.
What does this mean for the light heavyweight division?
The uncertainty surrounding Pereira’s next move has significant implications for the light heavyweight division. Magomed Ankalaev, widely regarded as the most deserving contender, finds his title aspirations temporarily stalled. This delay risks frustrating not only Ankalaev and his camp but also fans eager to see the division’s top-ranked fighter finally get his shot.
From a business standpoint, the UFC faces a delicate balancing act. Pereira’s star power and crossover appeal make him an asset to the organization, but prolonged delays or a move to heavyweight could disrupt the competitive dynamics of the division. Fighters like Ankalaev, Ulberg, and others in the top five are left waiting in line, creating a bottleneck that the UFC must address soon to maintain momentum in the division.
The stakes for Alex Pereira and the UFC
As 2024 progresses, the UFC and Alex Pereira find themselves at a pivotal juncture. For Pereira, his next fight will shape his legacy. Will he remain at light heavyweight to further cement his dominance, or will he take the bold leap to heavyweight and pursue a blockbuster showdown with Jon Jones? Either path carries immense risks and rewards, and fans are eager to see how this narrative unfolds.
For the UFC, the challenge lies in balancing Pereira’s star power with the integrity of the light heavyweight division. Allowing contenders like Magomed Ankalaev to remain sidelined for too long could lead to frustration among fighters and fans, while rushing Pereira into a less compelling fight risks diminishing his momentum. The promotion must carefully weigh these factors to maintain excitement and competitive balance.
One thing remains certain: Alex Pereira’s next fight—whether it’s against Ankalaev, Carlos Ulberg, or even a heavyweight opponent—will be one of the most anticipated events in MMA. With his lethal striking, undeniable charisma, and growing legacy, Pereira is a fighter who commands attention every time he steps into the octagon. The UFC’s decisions in the coming months will not only define Pereira’s career trajectory but also set the tone for the light heavyweight division in 2024.
As Joe Rogan aptly stated on his podcast, “Pereira has options, and that’s a luxury not every fighter has. The UFC just needs to make sure those options result in fights that fans actually want to see. Whether that’s Ankalaev, Ulberg, or someone else, the next step is crucial—not just for Pereira, but for the division as a whole.”
For now, the MMA world watches and waits, speculating about what’s next for the reigning light heavyweight champion. With his mix of elite skill and showmanship, Pereira has the potential to rewrite UFC history—whether it’s by continuing his reign at 205 pounds or by stepping into uncharted territory in the heavyweight division.
