It took the Brazilian very little time to outline his grand vision after making a stunning return to the Light Heavyweight throne in the main event of Saturday night’s pay-per-view event.
Pereira achieved a brutal knockout victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320, a swift win that avenged his earlier loss from March and marked the beginning of his second reign over the division. With this result, Pereira joins an exclusive group, becoming the first Light Heavyweight champion since Jon Jones to recapture the title after losing it.
Now, ‘Poatan’ is aiming for a marquee clash between two of the division’s most decorated champions, both of whom have enjoyed multiple reigns.
Pereira Wants a Heavyweight “Super Fight”—But Avoids Aspinall
During the UFC 320 fight week, ‘Poatan’ had already admitted that the weight cut to the 205-pound limit is becoming increasingly difficult, suggesting a move up to the Heavyweight division was on the cards sooner rather than later.
Although UFC President Dana White appeared hesitant about Pereira’s heavyweight plans at the post-fight press conference, the Brazilian reiterated his desire to move up—and even suggested the challenge should be his next outing.
While many would expect him to target the chance to make history by becoming the first fighter to win three divisional titles by challenging the current Heavyweight champion, Pereira instead proposed a different opponent for his divisional debut.
“Heavyweight is the most probable next,” Pereira stated on About Last Fight. “No, not Aspinall or Ciryl Gane, I want a super fight. It would be at the White House, against Jon Jones. That’s a super fight.”
Fan Reaction: Is Pereira ‘Ducking’ the Englishman?
Pereira’s comments have caused a strong sense of déjà vu for many fans regarding Tom Aspinall. Reaction to the Light Heavyweight king’s callout of Jones has seen a number of fans accuse ‘Poatan’ of following in the American superstar’s footsteps by avoiding a fight with the highly dangerous English contender.
It is worth remembering that Jones himself was accused of ‘ducking’ Aspinall after refusing to unify the Heavyweight titles against the then-interim champion before briefly retiring last summer. Critics of Pereira’s choice took to social media, suggesting a similar pattern:
“Lol, now Alex is ducking Tom. You can’t make this up! Alex and the ‘Duck King’ Jones deserve each other.”
“Jon ducked Tom, fought a firefighter. Alex is ducking Tom to fight semi-retired Jon.”
“Doesn’t even wanna mention Tom’s name, Lol.”
“He knows Aspinall is too big and would absolutely dog-walk him. Going for the old retired vet, smart move.”
“‘No, I want someone old and washed’.”
“He knows Tom beats him.”
“Clear duck.”
