Last weekend, Alex Pereira became the new light heavyweight champion of the UFC. Now the only question that MMA fans have in mind is who will be Pereira’s next opponent? At present, there are many potential rivals for him. Whether the new champion will be able to hold his title for a long time is debatable, but till then, let’s have a look at five potential opponents for “Poatan” as UFC light heavyweight champion.
5. Magomed Ankalaev
The previous December, Magomed Ankalaev faced Jan Blachowicz for the light heavyweight title vacated by Jiri Prochazka. The match resulted in a draw, but still, many people feel that the “Russian Terror” was robbed of a well-deserved win. Ankalaev was overlooked in favor of Glover Teixeira and Jamahl Hill for the next title fight as well.
Since then, Magomed has fought only once, and that was against Johnny Walker. This match was a no contest because Ankalaev hit Walker with an illegal knee. However, the Russian fighter is still ranked No. 3 in the division, and another win for him in any match would probably bring him back into contention. Ankalaev has amazing wrestling skills, so he will likely represent the toughest test for Pereira in the entire division. However, the UFC might want to avoid this fight as Pereira is a more marketable champion than Ankalaev would be, but the 31-year-old would definitely be one of the best possible opponents for the new champion at the moment.
4. Johnny Walker
Walker will need to win at least one more big fight if he wants the opportunity to face Pereira for the UFC light heavyweight title. In fact, he is not as far away as it seems. Before his last fight, the Brazilian was on a three-fight winning streak, defeating Ion Cutelaba, Paul Craig and Anthony Smith. If he had defeated Magomed Ankalev, who is currently ranked No. 3, he could have been in line for the title now.
His previous fight ended in a no contest, as Walker was caught by an illegal knee in the first round. That means an immediate rematch will be organized soon. If Walker can win against Ankalaev, he might get a shot at the light heavyweight title. Both fighters are talented strikers, with Walker in particular deploying a style that enables him to attack points from any possible angle.
A fight between the latest champion and Walker would be a similar stylistic match to the recent fight between Pereira and Jiri Prochazka. So, although he may not be able to get his chance just yet, the Brazilian is definitely one of the best potential opponents for the new champion.
3. Jan Blachowicz
Before defeating Jiri Prochazka for the vacant light heavyweight title, “Poatan” faced Jan Blachowicz at UFC 291. Pereira won that match via split decision and earned the title shot, while Blachowicz was just forced to sit after squandering such a huge opportunity. However, it is worth noting that the fight was extremely close and many observers felt that the Polish fighter deserved the nod.
So a rematch might be possible. Blachowicz has already criticized Alex on social media, saying he has unfinished business with the Brazilian. For now, Jan is preparing for a rematch with Aleksander Rakic. However, given the fight is scheduled for January, if he can get the better of the Austrian fighter again, there would certainly be an argument for booking a rematch with Pereira to even the score.
2. Israel Adesanya
When Pereira defeated Jiri Prochazka for the light heavyweight title last weekend, it was no surprise that he mentioned his old rival Israel Adesanya immediately afterward. After all, the two fighters have had a history for years now. “Poatan” famously defeated “The Last Stylebender” in a boxing match and then stripped him of his middleweight title in the UFC. However, earlier this year, Adesanya avenged his defeat by knocking out Pereira and regaining his title in the process.
After this, Adesanya lost to Shawn Strickland and vowed to take a leave of absence, but it could be possible that he might return to give a shot at the light heavyweight title against his biggest rival. If the 34-year-old can be convinced to return soon, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see this fight booked. Adesanya may not weigh 205 pounds, but he is certainly one of the best potential opponents for Pereira right now.
1. Jamahal Hill
Jamahal Hill is currently the best opponent for Alex Pereira to defend his recently won light heavyweight title. The two men don’t have a history, but they can possibly share the octagon soon and face each other in the octagon. Hill was the last champion in the division before Pereira, and he never actually lost the title but unfortunately had to vacate it due to injury.
Interestingly, the fighter who Hill defeated for the title was Glover Teixeira, who stands as Alex’s mentor and coach. Hill is a very skilled fighter and if he recovers in time, the UFC should look to book this fight soon because it is the best possible clash right now.
Also Read:- Four Best Light Heavyweight Title Fights in UFC History
