Alex Pereira entered the octagon last month as he defeated Khalil Rountree Jr. via fourth-round TKO at UFC 307 to defend his light heavyweight title for the third time this year. While ‘Poatan’ had shared that he plans to take some time off after competing three times in six months, his next opponent has seemingly been confirmed.
Magomed Ankalaev took to X on Thursday to thank UFC CEO Dana White for seemingly granting him a title opportunity. Championship Rounds shared the comments from the No.1-ranked light heavyweight, tweeting:
“🚨 Magomed Ankalaev says that Dana White has informed him that he will be fighting Alex Pereira next 👀 #UFC #MMA”
Check out Championship Rounds’ tweet confirming the next light heavyweight title bout below:
🚨 Magomed Ankalaev says that Dana White has informed him that he will be fighting Alex Pereira next 👀#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/hzfb0QduXB
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) November 14, 2024
While Alex Pereira appeared to be in a position to negotiate a superfight against Jon Jones, he will seemingly need to face Ankalaev first. The promotional frontman did note on Thursday that ‘Bones’ will fight Tom Aspinall, and not ‘Poatan’, if he continues to compete past UFC 309. MMA Orbit shared those comments, tweeting:
“🚨| Dana White has told @jimrome that if Jon Jones wants to keep fighting after #UFC309 he must take on Tom Aspinall. “If Jon Jones wants to fight again after Saturday night, he will fight Tom Aspinall.””
Check out the X post from MMA Orbit below:
🚨| Dana White has told @jimrome that if Jon Jones wants to keep fighting after #UFC309 he must take on Tom Aspinall.
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) November 14, 2024
“If Jon Jones wants to fight again after Saturday night, he will fight Tom Aspinall.” pic.twitter.com/GZVQVhuej8
While Jones and Pereira are both seemingly on board for a potential clash, it appears unlikely to come to fruition. It is unclear when the rumored bout between ‘Poatan’ and Ankalaev will take place.