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Alex Pereira has chance to complete modern-era UFC first against Magomed Ankalaev

Originally posted on HITC | By Jamie Theodosi | Last updated Oct 2, 2025 1:02 PM ET

Alex Pereira can reaffirm his dominance with a victory over Magomed Ankalaev to reclaim the light heavyweight belt.

UFC 320 takes place this Saturday in Las Vegas, featuring a rematch between Ankalaev and ‘Poatan’ as the main event.

Ankalaev pulled off a surprise win in their first meeting, controlling the striking exchanges across five rounds to claim the gold.

Tensions have only increased since then. This week, both fighters had an awkward run-in at the UFC Performance Institute, nearly boiling over into a physical confrontation.

Alex Pereira chasing rare UFC milestone in Magomed Ankalaev rematch

After joining the promotion, ‘Poatan’ did not have to wait long for a shot at the title. He quickly climbed the ranks and soon found himself fighting for a belt.

During his reign, the Brazilian became one of the sport’s biggest names, holding onto that status for several years.

But after losing his belt to Ankalaev, Pereira’s profile took a hit. He is not as prominent as he once was, but Saturday gives him a chance to step back into the spotlight.

If he can pull it off this time around, he would become just the second fighter ever – and first in what many consider the modern era – to win three titles across two different weight divisions.

Only UFC legend Randy Couture achieved this feat. He made it in 2003 at UFC 44, where he defeated Tito Ortiz.

Alex Pereira has the chance to become the first ‘modern era’ UFC fighter to be a three-time UFC champion in two different weight classes.

The last and only person to accomplish this was Randy Couture in 2003 at UFC 44. pic.twitter.com/FupYjQqg3l
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 1, 2025

Alex Pereira still interested in completing triple champion feat

During his light heavyweight title run, talk of ‘Poatan’ moving up to heavyweight was never far away, especially given his size and frame.

Now, as he prepares for UFC 320, the Brazilian has once again hinted at a move to heavyweight, still holding onto the ambition of becoming the first fighter to hold titles in three different divisions.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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