Last month, Alex Pereira (11-2) knocked out Jiří Procházka (30-5-1) to retain the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship at UFC 303. Pereira stepped into the octagon on short notice twice this year, and he also expects to return in November or December.
UFC is currently in negotiations with The Poatan’s next opponent. Magomed Ankalaev (18-1-1Draw-1NC), the No. 2 ranked light heavyweight contender, stated during an interview with TMZ Sports that he will face Pereira next. Ankalaev also stated that the fight against Pereira was going to be an easy one.
“I believe that’s the next one. It’s been a long time in the making, we are waiting for our contracts to be signed, and I think there is no way he escapes this one. I think we are going to face each other. As of now, it’s in deep negotiations, it’s really up to [Alex] Pereira to confirm it. But I think logically, with all of the teams looking into it, I think that’s the logical next. He’s been impressive, but I think it’s going to be a relatively easy fight for me.”
Ankalaev last competed at UFC Fight Night 234 in January, where he knocked out Johnny Walker (21-9-1) in the second round.