Title: UFC 313: Exciting Heavyweight Showdown Could Headline Vegas Event
It seems like Alex Pereira might be considering a move to the heavyweight division for his next fight. According to MMA content creator Laerte Viana, Pereira is rumored to be eyeing a bout against heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov.
While this wouldn't be a title fight, the winner of such a contest could potentially be in line for a shot at the heavyweight title. UFC champion Jon Jones is expected to defend his title against interim champion Tom Aspinall at some point in 2025.
Pereira, the former UFC middleweight champion and current light heavyweight king, has expressed his desire to chase a title in a third weight class. The UFC has never had a fighter win a title in three different divisions, making Pereira's pursuit all the more intriguing.
At 38, Pereira is looking to make the most of his time in the UFC and capitalize on his status as an elite fighter. Volkov, a veteran of 49 professional mixed martial arts bouts and 17 in the UFC, is also eager for another shot at the title.
While the Pereira-Volkov fight is an appealing prospect, there's a chance Pereira decides to stay at light heavyweight and face the number one contender, Magomed Ankalaev, or even Khamzat Chimaev.
Ankalaev may not be ready for that March date due to Ramadan, which could limit his training time. Chimaev, currently the No. 3 middleweight, could shift his focus to Pereira in the light heavyweight division.
It's a complex situation, with official announcements from the UFC expected in the coming weeks. As of now, the UFC 313 card features fights between Amanda Lemos and Iasmin Lucindo, Brunno Ferreira and Armen Petrosyan, and several other prelim bouts.
Enrichment Insights:
- Recent reports by seasoned MMA journalist Kevin Iole, who is close to UFC President Dana White, debunked the rumors of Pereira facing Volkov at heavyweight. Iole claimed, "No truth to the rumor of Pereira vs. Volkov. Zero."[1]
- The rumored fight has faced backlash from fans, who feel Pereira should defend his light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev instead.[2][3]
- Timing constraints due to Ramadan could impact the feasibility of Pereira facing Ankalaev in March.[1][5]
[1] - Source 1[2] - Source 2[3] - Source 3[4] - Source 4[5] - Source 5
- Alex Pereira's potential move to the heavyweight division for his next fight is rumored to involve a bout against heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov, according to MMA content creator Laerte Viana.
- The UFC 313 card currently features fights between Amanda Lemos and Iasmin Lucindo, Brunno Ferreira and Armen Petrosyan, but there are rumors about Alex Pereira fighting in this event as well.
- UFC President Dana White has debunked the rumors of Pereira facing Volkov at heavyweight, as reported by seasoned MMA journalist Kevin Iole.
- While official announcements from the UFC are expected in the coming weeks, fans have expressed their desire for Pereira to defend his light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev instead.
