When Conor McGregor pulled out of UFC 303, Dana White and the company needed a big fight to headline the International Fight Week PPV. The search didn’t take long as Alex Pereira rematched Jiri Prochazka, saving the promotion for the second time. The first time was when Jon Jones pulled out of UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden. The Brazilian received massive praise for the short-notice fight, and he recently revealed a message from the UFC CEO about it.
“Many said no one would take such a risk, especially as the champion. When you’re challenging for a belt, it’s common to capitalize on the opportunity, but few champions would risk it all. I believed in my preparation, took the chance, and it paid off. Dana White praised me for my decision, calling it incredible. It was very motivating and gratifying to hear directly from him,” Pereira said on his official YouTube channel, revealing the $2.8 million fight purse.
In the last seven months, Pereira has headlined UFC 295, UFC 300, and UFC 303—all massive PPV events. All three events broke several records in live gate, PPV buys, and revenue. Having expressed interest in a November or December return, the Brazilian will likely break records again, potentially at UFC 310 at the T-Mobile Arena.
Who will Alex Pereira fight next?
Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira has become a huge star in MMA, courtesy of his brutal knockouts in the UFC. Having already headlined two PPVs in the first half of 2024, Poatan is taking a break, potentially returning at UFC 309 in November or UFC 310 in December. Right now, three opponents are likely next for the Brazilian, and he is a betting underdog against all of them.
Magomed Ankalaev, the second-ranked light heavyweight, has been clamoring for a matchup against Poatan. Ankalaev is also the logical choice for Pereira, especially as the UFC is still hesitant about the 37-year-old moving up to heavyweight.
Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones, the interim and undisputed heavyweight champions, respectively, could be next for the light heavyweight champion. However, many dominoes must fall into place for either matchup to materialize.
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Also Read: Alex Pereira Agrees to Fight Jon Jones- “To the Belt”
