Yardbarker
x
Alex Pereira makes history at UFC 320, first since Jon Jones seven years ago
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

Alex Pereira has added another milestone to his growing legacy, joining Jon Jones in the history books.

Saturday’s UFC 320 pay-per-view proved to be a significant event for one of the sport’s most popular figures.

Pereira headlined at the T-Mobile Arena, securing a first-round knockout of Magomed Ankalaev, delivering on his promise to settle the score with the Dagestani fighter.

The win puts ‘Poatan’ back on top of the 205-pound division less than seven months after losing the belt. And with that, he has reached a rare milestone in light heavyweight history.

Alex Pereira becomes the third two-time light heavyweight champion in UFC history

Before Pereira’s violent reign as a two-division champion in 2023, which included three successful defenses, the light heavyweight title frequently changed hands.

Since Jon Jones stepped away from the division in 2019, names like Jan Blachowicz, Glover Teixeira, Jiri Prochazka, and Jamahal Hill all had their turns holding the belt over a three-year span.

While some of those fighters have tried to reclaim their spot at the top without success, Pereira managed to do just that with his win over Ankalaev.

‘Poatan’ became just the first person since Jon Jones to regain the light heavyweight crown. That puts him alongside Jones and Randy Couture as only the third fighter in UFC history to hold this title more than once.

Alex Pereira is following Jon Jones’ path in more ways than one

Pereira has matched Jones’ two-time status at light heavyweight, and now he is eyeing another move that mirrors the American’s career.

Even before UFC 320, the Brazilian star had hinted at a jump to heavyweight. His comments about managing his weight made it clear that the transition might be closer than people thought.

Despite Dana White dismissing those plans after the fight, ‘Poatan’ doubled down in backstage interviews, saying he still prefers a move up over staying to defend his light heavyweight title.

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

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!