The reigning, defending UFC light heavyweight champion has a tall task in front of him at UFC 313, fighting the #1 contender Magomed Ankalaev in March. A fourth-straight title defense would bring Pereira's stardom to new levels, with people talking about a heavyweight move for "Poatan" - not limited to the gates of the UFC Octagon.

Magomed Ankalaev will finally get his shot at light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira at UFC 313. Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) defended his light heavyweight title three times in the span of six months in 2024, scoring knockouts of Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and most recently Khalil Rountree at UFC 307.