Who’s Next for Alex Pereira After Win Against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320?

Alex Pereira did it again! After months in the shadows, the Brazilian stormed back to reclaim the throne from Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320. Following a string of underwhelming cards, the UFC returned to Nevada’s T-Mobile Arena with a bang, delivering a night of high-octane action. The early prelims stirred the crowd, but the real sparks flew on the preliminary card, where four fighters delivered jaw-dropping knockouts, building anticipation for the co-main event between Merab Dvalishvili and Cory Sandhagen.

Yet, the true spotlight belonged to the headliner: Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev. The Brazilian not only reclaimed his title but also avenged his previous loss, asserting once more who commands the division. With him back on top, the light heavyweight hierarchy remains largely intact, in contrast to the welterweight division, which witnessed more surprises on the same night. The evening also featured a thrilling light heavyweight bout between #2 contender Jiri Prochazka and #4 Khalil Rountree Jr., which Pereira secured with a knockout win..

What’s next for Alex Pereira?

In the third round, Prochazka showcased why he is considered one of the most lethal and precise strikers in the division, dismantling the Muay Thai specialist Rountree. His performance reignited whispers of a trilogy with the Brazilian , as the two had already met twice — UFC 295 and UFC 303 — with Pereira winning both. Meanwhile, the trilogy with Ankalaev remains on hold, as the Russian star had bested Pereira in their first encounter.

That said, with Alex Pereira back on top, the UFC could still greenlight a trilogy if he ekes out a narrow victory: The Playoffs notes that if Pereira ekes out a close decision, the UFC may book a trilogy. Meanwhile, a new contender looms on the horizon. #3-ranked Carlos Ulberg extended his win streak to nine with a knockout of veteran Dominick Reyes at UFC Perth. Rumors had pegged Ulberg as a potential backup for the Pereira vs. Ankalaev rematch.