Alex “Poatan” Pereira, the UFC light heavyweight champion, is gearing up for a highly anticipated bout against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313. Despite focusing on the upcoming fight, Poatan is already eyeing a showdown with heavyweight champion Jon Jones, viewing it as the only logical next step in his illustrious career.
The road to UFC 313
On March 8, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Poatan will face Magomed Ankalaev, a formidable opponent known for his resilience and grappling skills. Ankalaev, who boasts an impressive record of 18 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw, presents a significant challenge for Poatan. The Russian fighter has never been finished in his career, underscoring his toughness in the octagon.
Poatan, confident in his striking ability, plans to keep the fight standing to leverage his knockout power. “If I can secure a decisive victory, it will strengthen my campaign for a fight against Jon Jones,” Poatan remarked in a recent interview.
Setting the stage for a superfight
While Poatan remains focused on Ankalaev, the prospect of a super fight with Jon Jones looms large. Both champions in their respective divisions, a bout between Poatan and Jones could be one of the most significant events in UFC history. The potential matchup has already generated considerable buzz among MMA fans and could set new records for viewership and pay-per-view sales.
Despite the lack of formal negotiations, Poatan has expressed his eagerness to test his skills against Jones. “He’s expressed interest in fighting me, and I don’t see another fight that makes sense. We’re both champions, so it would have to be this fight,” Poatan stated unequivocally.
Poatan’s aspirations extend beyond a potential clash with Jones. He aims to fight three times in 2025, with one of those bouts ideally taking place in Brazil. The UFC has yet to confirm events in Brazil for the year, but Poatan’s desire to compete on home soil remains strong. “Fighting in Brazil would be a dream come true, and I’m hopeful it will happen by the end of the year,” he shared.
The stakes of a historic showdown
A fight between Poatan and Jones wouldn’t just be a battle of champions; it would also be a clash of styles and strategies. Jones, renowned for his strategic intelligence, wrestling skills, and reach advantage, poses a significant threat. Yet, Poatan remains unfazed, confident that his knockout power and experience in high-pressure situations can lead to victory.
Furthermore, Poatan is prepared for the possibility of facing Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion, should he defeat Jones. “I’ll fight anyone in the heavyweight division, but Jon Jones is the current champion. If Aspinall becomes the champion, I’d obviously fight him too,” Poatan stated confidently.
Poatan’s path forward
Regardless of the outcome of UFC 313, Alex Poatan Pereira’s future in the UFC appears bright. With aspirations to conquer the heavyweight division and fight on home turf, Poatan is poised for a dynamic and impactful year. His journey from a kickboxing champion to a dominant force in MMA exemplifies his skill and determination.
As the UFC community eagerly anticipates the potential super fight, Poatan continues to train relentlessly, ready to seize the opportunities that lie ahead. Whether facing Ankalaev, Jones, or any other contender, Poatan’s commitment to excellence remains unwavering, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s elite athletes.
