Alex Pereira Eyes Heavyweight Division After UFC 320 Victory

Alex Pereira reclaimed the light heavyweight championship at UFC 320 on October 14, 2023, with a decisive knockout of Magomed Ankalaev. Following his victory, Pereira expressed a strong desire to transition to the heavyweight division, stating, “I want a fight at heavyweight.” His ambition has stirred discussions about potential matchups, although UFC CEO Dana White expressed reservations about Pereira moving up two weight classes, given his history as a middleweight.

Pereira’s determination signals exciting possibilities in the heavyweight landscape. If he successfully moves up, several high-profile matchups could await him. Among them is a potential clash against Tom Aspinall, the current heavyweight champion, if Aspinall secures a victory against Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 later this month in Dubai. This could pave the way for a blockbuster champion versus champion showdown that might eclipse a light heavyweight title defense against competitors like Carlos Ulberg or Jirí Procházka.

As a 38-year-old fighter, Pereira’s window for achieving greatness is narrowing. There is significant momentum behind the idea of him attempting to become the first fighter to hold championships in three different weight classes. While a return to light heavyweight remains a possibility, maximizing his time in the sport at heavyweight could be the best strategy moving forward.

Next Steps for UFC 320 Stars

Merab Dvalishvili retained his bantamweight championship against Cory Sandhagen, winning by unanimous decision. With Dvalishvili’s relentless fighting style, his next opponent is likely to be Petr Yan, whom he defeated decisively in 2023. Dvalishvili expressed interest in fighting again in December, aiming to become the first champion to achieve four title defenses in a single calendar year.

If Yan is unavailable, Song Yadong could be a suitable alternative for Dvalishvili. The bantamweight division is brimming with talent, and Dvalishvili is eager to face any challenger in his path.

Cory Sandhagen, having lost to Dvalishvili, will likely take time off to regroup. His next potential fight could be against Sean O’Malley, a matchup that fans have long anticipated. Sandhagen’s performance against Dvalishvili showcased his resilience, and he is expected to return stronger.

Youssef Zalal also made headlines with his impressive performance at UFC 320, further establishing himself as a rising star. A matchup with Arnold Allen could provide both fighters with an opportunity to showcase their skills, especially after Allen’s recent victories against top contenders.

Another fighter to watch is Michael “Venom” Page, who has been making waves in the middleweight division despite primarily competing at welterweight. A fight against rising star Bo Nickal could be a significant draw, given both fighters’ popularity and fighting styles.

In summary, UFC 320 has set the stage for a series of exciting matchups across various divisions. With Alex Pereira’s potential move to heavyweight and the ongoing developments in the bantamweight class, the coming months promise to be thrilling for MMA fans worldwide.