Alex Pereira’s Next Fight: Heavyweight Clash Looms
In January 2025, a report suggested Alex Pereira could move to heavyweight to face Alexander Volkov. That matchup did not materialize: Pereira remained at light heavyweight and defended his title against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313.
The Volkov Report Was Debunked
In January 2025, reports circulated that Pereira might meet heavyweight Alexander Volkov at a March 2025 event. The claim did not hold up. MMA reporter Ariel Helwani reported that Pereira’s next opponent would be Ankalaev and that there were no immediate plans for a heavyweight move. Pereira then lost his light heavyweight title to Ankalaev by unanimous decision on March 8, 2025.
Pereira Regained the Light Heavyweight Belt
The pair met again on October 4, 2025. Pereira stopped Ankalaev in the first round to reclaim the 205-pound title. That result closed their immediate title rivalry and set up Pereira’s eventual move to heavyweight.
His First Heavyweight Title Bid Ended in a Loss
Pereira moved up to challenge Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight championship at the White House card on June 14, 2026. Gane won by TKO at 1:27 of the second round, ending Pereira’s bid to become a champion in a third weight class.
Pavlovich Is Scheduled Next
The promotion has scheduled Pereira to face Sergei Pavlovich in a five-round heavyweight co-main event in Las Vegas on December 12, 2026. It will be Pereira’s second heavyweight appearance.
Sources
- MMA Mania: Pereira–Volkov rumor debunked
- Official scorecards: Pereira vs. Ankalaev
- Pereira vs. Ankalaev 2 results
- Freedom 250 event results
- Pereira vs. Pavlovich bout announced
