The Brazilian Alex Pereira teased UFC fans with a huge potential announcement after sharing a video of himself signing a fight contract.
Alex Pereira only fought as recently as UFC 300 just over two weeks ago, when he brutally knocked out Jamahal Hill in the first round of their contest.
The 36-year-old has been strongly linked to a fight against UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall – who has previously claimed he was open to facing Pereira in the near future.
And Alex Pereira added fuel to the fire about a possible showdown after uploading a video of him signing a contract – before shadow boxing and kicking towards the camera.
Some fans may notice a subtle hint from the clip that may suggest the man in question could be Aspinall after all.
After signing the contract, Alex Pereira is given a pair of ‘challenger’ shorts rather than champion ones – hinting that he will be facing a champion in Aspinall.
The caption in Pereira’s post read: ‘Breaking news #UFC301.’
However, given that he fought just weeks ago and that UFC 301 is this weekend, it is highly unlikely he will appear on that card.
Aspinall – who was ringside for Alex Pereira’s victory over Hill – has already signed up to appear at UFC 304 in Manchester on July 26 this summer and said he was ‘waiting for my opponent to accept’, triggering speculation that a bout against Pereira could be in the offing.
‘Just back from Vegas, was over there doing YouTube stuff, meetings, all that stuff,’ Aspinall said on TikTok.
‘Had a meeting with the UFC. It has now been confirmed that I am fighting on UFC Manchester.
‘So I’m back home preparing for that now, just starting the early stages of a training camp. Just waiting for my opponent to accept, so stay tuned.’
Aspinall, 31, won the interim crown by knocking out No 2 ranked heavyweight Sergei Pavlovich in 69 seconds at UFC 295.
UFC 304 will be the first sporting event to be held at the £365million Co-op Live arena – the largest indoor entertainment venue in the UK.
However, despite the excitement of a return to England for the UFC, fans will have to deal with a late night – with the main card set to begin at 3am.
This will give American fans the opportunity to also catch the numbered event in Manchester, with the preliminary fights set to start at 11pm.