The UFC light heavyweight division used to be a revolving door. For a few years there, it felt like the belt was cursed. You had Jiri Prochazka vacating due to a shoulder that basically exploded, Jamahal Hill doing his Achilles during a media basketball game, and a string of weird draws and vacant titles that left fans wondering if we’d ever have a stable king again.
Then came Alex "Poatan" Pereira.
Honestly, if you looked at the 205-pound landscape today, in early 2026, it’s hard to imagine anyone else holding that gold. But it hasn't been a straight line. If you’ve been following the chaos, you know 2025 was a total roller coaster for the Brazilian knockout artist. He actually lost the strap for a minute there.
The Current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion: Poatan’s Revenge
As of right now, Alex Pereira is the undisputed UFC Light Heavyweight Champion.
He’s currently in his second reign, and it’s arguably more impressive than the first. To understand where we are, you've gotta look at what happened last March at UFC 313. Pereira stepped into the cage against Magomed Ankalaev, the guy everyone said was his "kryptonite." For five rounds, Ankalaev did exactly what he was supposed to do. He used a steady, grinding pressure that sucked the life out of the room and out of Pereira. Ankalaev walked away with a unanimous decision victory, becoming the first Russian to hold the 205-pound title.
👉 See also: Why the Marlins Won World Series Titles Twice and Then Disappeared
It felt like the "Poatan Era" was over. People were saying he was too old, or that the blueprint to beat him was finally out.
Fast forward to October 2025 at UFC 320. The rematch.
Pereira didn't just win; he sent a message. He claimed he wasn't 100% in the first fight, and he proved it by steamrolling Ankalaev in under 90 seconds. A flurry of those "stone" hands and some nasty elbows ended the night early. Just like that, the belt was back in Brazil.
Why the Division is in a Weird Spot Right Now
So, Pereira is the champ, but the 205-pound rankings are a mess in the best way possible. You've got three guys who all have a legitimate claim to be next in line.
✨ Don't miss: Why Funny Fantasy Football Names Actually Win Leagues
- Carlos Ulberg: The "Black Jag" is the fresh blood. He’s on a massive nine-fight win streak and just decimated Dominick Reyes in the first round. He’s the only guy in the top five who hasn't been "Poatan-ed" yet.
- Jiri Prochazka: The Czech samurai is still lurking. He had a wild 2025, knocking out Jamahal Hill and Khalil Rountree Jr. The problem? He’s 0-2 against Pereira. Even though he’s the most exciting fighter in the weight class, a third fight is a hard sell unless Pereira moves up.
- Magomed Ankalaev: He’s still the #1 contender on paper, but after getting finished so quickly in the rematch, he’s in "must-win" territory against someone else before he gets a trilogy.
The Heavyweight Rumors and the "White House" Card
Here is where things get interesting. Pereira is 38. He’s achieved everything. Lately, all he talks about is moving up to Heavyweight to chase a third belt—something no one has ever done in the UFC.
There is massive talk about a "Superfight" between Alex Pereira and Jon Jones (who recently hinted at a comeback) or the current Heavyweight king, Tom Aspinall. With the UFC planning a massive event at the White House later this year, Dana White is looking for a headliner that breaks the internet. A Pereira jump to Heavyweight is the biggest card he can play.
If Alex decides to vacate and move up, the 205-pound title would likely be contested between Ulberg and Prochazka. It’s a weird "limbo" phase for the division. We have a dominant champion who is basically looking for a bigger challenge because he’s already cleared out the neighborhood.
What Most People Get Wrong About Pereira
People love to say Alex Pereira is "just a kickboxer."
🔗 Read more: Heisman Trophy Nominees 2024: The Year the System Almost Broke
That’s a lazy take. His takedown defense has improved significantly under the tutelage of Glover Teixeira. In his recent fights, he’s shown a much higher fight IQ, baiting opponents into traps rather than just head-hunting. You don't beat Jan Blachowicz, Jiri Prochazka (twice), and Magomed Ankalaev by just being a "power puncher." You do it by being a master of distance.
Practical Takeaways for UFC Fans
If you’re trying to keep track of the light heavyweight title picture, here is the current reality:
- Check the Schedule: Pereira doesn't have a confirmed next defense yet, but look for an announcement in February.
- Watch the Heavyweights: If Tom Aspinall’s eye recovery goes well, a fight with Pereira becomes much more likely.
- Keep an eye on Carlos Ulberg: He is the dark horse. If Pereira stays at 205, Ulberg is the most dangerous stylistic matchup left.
The light heavyweight throne is currently occupied by a man who seems to have "left-hooked" his way into legend status. Whether he stays to defend it or moves up to chase history, Alex Pereira is the focal point of the MMA world right now. Keep your eyes on the official UFC rankings as the spring 2026 schedule begins to take shape.