Reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira is still the man to page on short-call. Pereira is still the man to save PPVs when others go haywire or suffer injuries. ‘Poatan’ will also defend his strap against No. 1-ranking title contender Magomed Ankalaev. But it won’t be to sub in for Belal Muhammad at UFC 310.
The original headliner, Belal Muhammad, pulled out of his upcoming UFC 310 pay-per-view (PPV) title headliner. He suffered a grizzly toe infection and would be on the bench for weeks. When the early rumor mills were swirling about his withdrawal, Alex Pereira was the ‘it’ man again. However, members of the Team Teixeira MMA & Fitness camp (Jorge Guimarães, Plinio Cruz) said they have not got a call yet.
When feature MMA insider Rueben Carter (@realruebenking) and other MMA outlets picked up the news, both Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev pitched in. Both sides posted a “📞” emoticon to urge that they are ready to roll. However, according to reports from MMAFighting on SBN, their matchup won’t be for the upcoming UFC 310 pay-per-view (PPV) card on December 7 at T-Mobile Arena.
@Mickmaynard2 send me the contract. I’m ready let’s do this.🏆
— Magomed Ankalaev (@AnkalaevM) November 1, 2024
“Poatan” had three fights in 2024. He defended his 205-pound strap with KOs over Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree Jr. Two of those fights came at short notice; one technically so — and one with just over a month’s camp. But for now, the brass will be on the lookout for the UFC 310 top bout. The question arises: When can Pereira fight next, then?
Alex Pereira in the year 2025
2024 has been the year of Alex Pereira. But the Brazilian needs some time out and won’t overdo it with another standout hard-hitting performance (say, UFC 310). ‘Poatan’ isn’t up to saving yet another pay-per-view (PPV) card. Alexandre Pantoja vs. Kai Asakura for the flyweight championship, originally the co-mains, remains the top bout on the line-up.
It’s too early to say when Pereira will next defend his title. However, with the UFC’s first pay-per-view card of 2025 coming on January 18, it’s not likely Poatan will make the number. UFC 312, the following pay-per-view on 8 February, could be an option. The event will take place in Sydney, Australia.
Meanwhile, the next man up for the 205lb championship is Magomed Ankalaev. He has volunteered to face Pereira as early as December 7. The Russian fighter is currently riding a 13-fight unbeaten streak, including a trio of victories over Brazilians. So, in matchmaker Mick Maynard’s shoes, he is still the No. 1 seed. CEO White said as much a while back. Now, it remains to be seen if Pereira finally heeds the call.
