UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira shares key updates on his injury recovery, title defense plans versus Magomed Ankalaev, and ambitions to dominate the heavyweight and middleweight divisions while maintaining his commitment to the light heavyweight crown.
- Alex Pereira is recovering from a hand injury sustained during his UFC 307 victory but is eyeing an early 2025 return against Magomed Ankalaev.
- He remains open to a heavyweight fight with Tom Aspinall but prioritizes defending his light heavyweight title.
- Pereira has hinted at a middleweight return to challenge Dricus du Plessis for his former title.
Injuries Delay Pereira’s Heavyweight Fight Plans
Alex Pereira, the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion, has recently discussed the physical challenges he’s facing following his latest victory.
After a knockout win over Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 on April 13, Pereira was called out for a heavyweight fight in the upcoming UFC 301.
However, he revealed that this plan is unlikely to materialize due to injuries—specifically two broken toes—one incurred before and the other during the Hill fight.
Pereira explained, “I was imagining the best-case scenario [when I called for a heavyweight fight at UFC 301], but I have two broken toes. Both feet are f—ed.” Despite the setbacks, he anticipates being medically cleared by early May.
Alex Pereira Balances Title Defense Responsibilities with Heavyweight Aspirations
Pereira’s interest in moving up to fight interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall stems from his desire to maintain career activity without holding up the light heavyweight division.
He expressed a commitment to guarantee the division continues to operate efficiently. As much as he prefers to defend his belt, Pereira acknowledges that if a heavyweight fight and potential injuries cause delays, he wouldn’t want to hold up the division.
This consideration reflects his awareness of the potential complications his cross-division ambitions could cause.
Check out some of the most gruesome UFC injuries in this article.
Pereira Outlines Fight Timing and Location Plans
UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is eyeing an early 2025 comeback, with Magomed Ankalaev as a potential opponent, as he continues recovery from a hand injury suffered at UFC 307. Although no official date has been announced, Pereira insists he will return only when fully fit.
Pereira has also shown interest in competing closer to home, targeting UFC’s November card in New York City near his Danbury, Connecticut base. Still, his main focus remains complete recovery and defending the light heavyweight title on his own terms.
