Alex Pereira is basically a glitch in the UFC matrix. Think about it. The guy comes in, skips the line, knocks out everyone’s favorite fighters, and somehow manages to stay more active than guys ten years younger than him. But right now, everyone is asking the same thing: when is the next time we see the "Poatan" stone face inside the Octagon?
Honestly, the division is a bit of a mess, but in the best way possible. After his absolute destruction of Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 in late 2025—where he basically reclaimed his throne in 80 seconds—the 205-pound landscape changed. Pereira didn't just win; he proved that when he’s healthy, he's a nightmare that nobody has figured out yet.
The Heavyweight Question: Is Tom Aspinall Next?
You’ve probably seen the rumors. Pereira has been flirting with the heavyweight division for what feels like forever. He wants to be the first three-division champion. It’s a legacy play.
With Tom Aspinall dealing with a serious eye injury recently, the heavyweight title picture is wide open. There’s been a lot of smoke around a potential interim heavyweight title fight between Alex Pereira and Ciryl Gane. People think it’s a mismatch because of the size, but Pereira walks around at nearly 230 pounds anyway.
If Dana White decides to pull the trigger on this, it would likely be the headliner for a massive Pay-Per-View in the second quarter of 2026. Gane is a technical wizard, but we’ve seen him struggle when someone puts real pressure on him. Pereira doesn't just pressure; he deletes people.
Why Magomed Ankalaev Isn't Done With Poatan
Even though Pereira smoked him in their rematch, Ankalaev is still the boogeyman of the division. Their history is 1-1 now. Ankalaev took the belt at UFC 313 in a tactical masterclass, and Pereira took it back by turning his lights out.
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A trilogy makes sense, but does anyone actually want to see it right now? The fans are kinda over the wrestling-vs-striking narrative for a minute. However, the rankings don't lie. Ankalaev is sitting right there at the top. If Pereira stays at 205, he might be forced into a third fight just because there’s nobody else left.
Except for maybe Carlos Ulberg.
Ulberg is the "dark horse" everyone should be watching. He's on a massive win streak, he trains at City Kickboxing with Israel Adesanya, and he has the striking pedigree to actually stand with Pereira. That’s a fresh matchup that would sell out an arena in Auckland or Sydney in a heartbeat.
The Jon Jones Mega-Fight: Is it Just a Dream?
We have to talk about Jon Jones. "Bones" briefly retired, then un-retired, and now he's campaigning for a fight at the "White House" event—which sounds like a classic UFC fever dream.
Pereira has been very vocal about wanting Jones.
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"I want to test myself against the best. Jones is the GOAT. Let’s do it at heavyweight." — Alex Pereira (Post-UFC 320 interview)
The problem? Jones is picky. He knows Pereira is a dangerous out with nothing to lose and everything to gain. If this fight happens, it’s the biggest event in MMA history since Khabib vs. Conor. But don't hold your breath. The UFC usually prefers "safe" matchmaking for their legends, and Poatan is the opposite of safe.
Current 205-Pound Contender Status
- Magomed Ankalaev: Ranked #1, looking for the trilogy.
- Carlos Ulberg: The "Black Jag" is hunting for a title shot after 9 straight wins.
- Jiří Procházka: Always a wild card, but he’s already lost twice to Alex.
- Jamahal Hill: Still trying to find his way back to the top after the UFC 300 disaster.
Life Outside the Cage: Does it Affect the Next Move?
It’s worth noting that Pereira’s personal life has been in the headlines lately. His very public relationship and subsequent breakup with Tracy Cortez in early January 2026 had fans worried about his headspace.
He was spotted running in a literal thunderstorm in Brazil right after the split. Some people think he’s distracted; others think "Angry Poatan" is the most dangerous version of the fighter we’ve ever seen. Historically, when things get chaotic in his personal life, he just works harder.
He’s 38 now. The clock is ticking. He doesn't have five years left to wait for the perfect matchup. He needs to fight now, and he knows it.
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What You Should Expect Next
If you're betting on the Alex Pereira next fight, watch the April or May 2026 calendar. The UFC likes him to headline big shows because he’s a guaranteed draw.
If it's at 205, expect Carlos Ulberg. It’s the "new blood" fight the division needs. If he moves up, it's Ciryl Gane for the interim gold. Either way, the man is going to walk out to that "Sepultura" track, draw his bow and arrow, and look to take someone's head off.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Keep an eye on the UFC 328 or 330 announcements. These are the most likely landing spots for his return.
- Watch the Heavyweight rankings. If Pereira officially gets "C" next to his name in the heavyweight division, the 205-belt might get vacated.
- Follow his training camps. He’s been spending more time at Glover Teixeira’s gym lately, focusing specifically on defensive wrestling to prepare for the heavier guys.
The era of Poatan isn't over. It's just getting weird.