Former UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira had high aspirations following his return to the cage in Las Vegas earlier this month. His plans included a potential heavyweight superfight or even a boxing match against Oleksandr Usyk if he had emerged victorious over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. However, these ambitions were thwarted by a controversial unanimous decision loss to Ankalaev, leaving Pereira disappointed and reconsidering his future in the sport.

In an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Alex Pereira discussed the implications of his recent setback. Known for his powerful striking, Pereira was eager to test his skills against top-tier opponents in different weight classes or even outside MMA. Prior to the bout, discussions centered around potential matchups with legends like Jon Jones and rising stars such as Tom Aspinall. Despite entering the fight with an injured hand, Pereira insisted it did not impact his performance and praised Ankalaev’s resilience.

Pereira's plans extended beyond defending his title. He envisioned moving up in weight to challenge heavyweight contenders or transitioning to professional boxing for a match with Usyk, a renowned world champion. This ambition stemmed from his desire to showcase versatility and cement his legacy across multiple disciplines. Fans anticipated these matchups eagerly, especially after Pereira's impressive knockout victory over Khalil Rountree Jr. last fall.

Regrettably, the loss to Ankalaev altered Pereira's trajectory. During the interview, he admitted that the fight might have been his last at 205 pounds, signaling a possible shift upward in weight. Although disappointed, Pereira acknowledged Ankalaev's skill and refrained from making excuses about the outcome. Moving forward, the Brazilian will need to reassess his career path while continuing to pursue significant challenges.

Beyond disappointment, Pereira remains focused on defining his next steps. With his sights set on achieving greatness both inside and outside the octagon, fans can expect him to explore new opportunities that align with his ambitious goals. Whether through a heavyweight transition or another crossover venture, Alex Pereira continues to prove himself as one of the most dynamic fighters in combat sports today.