by Alex Pereira (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Alex Pereira led the UFC in 2024, but he is done fighting for this year and won’t be back for a while.
Pereira would like to return to the Octagon in December, but due to some sponsorship commitments, reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Ariel Helwani of the Uncrowned said he won’t be back until March.
“If it were up to me, I would fight in December,” Pereira said. “The problem is that the two fights happened too early. We had a lot of gigs, trips, and a lot of business to take care of. The organization has understood, so we think around March is a good date.”
Here’s a look at the clip with his coach Plinio Cruz translating.
Pereira developed into a true martial arts superstar in 2024. He has become the UFC’s biggest draw among active fighters and is the favorite to win Fighter of the Year.
Pereira finishes the year with a perfect 3-0 record with knockout victories in three title defenses against Jamahal Hill at UFC 300 in April, Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 in June and Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 two weeks ago.
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 13: Alex Pereira of Brazil prepares to take on Jamahal Hill under the UFC lights … [+]
No fighter in the UFC, MMA and possibly combat sports has the presence of Poatan, and with him out of action for five months, the promotion needs someone or a group of fighters to step up to the challenge. The promotion is valid for October and November.
The main event of UFC 308 is as exciting and potentially awesome as it gets. On October 26th, UFC Featherweight Champion Ilia Topuria will attempt to defend his title against one of the greatest 145-pound champions in history, Max Holloway. In November, the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, Jon Jones, returns to take on the greatest heavyweight in UFC history, Stipe Miocic.
The winner will immediately face a megafight with interim champion Tom Aspinall – unless he withdraws. After November, things might get a little tricky in terms of the UFC’s high-level appeal. UFC 310 is a card for hardcore MMA fans, with Belal Muhammad defending his welterweight title for the first time against Shavkat Rahkmonov in the main event.
However, this isn’t a fight that will attract casual fans.
Conor McGregor and Dan Hooker have personally agreed to fight in Saudi Arabia on February 1st. However, at this point there is not much confidence that the former will set a date. If McGregor does fight, he’ll bring a crowd like no other, but that’s a big if.
Kayla Harrison is becoming a real star. If she fights and defeats Julianna Pena for the UFC women’s bantamweight title in January, it will give her the opportunity to face Amanda Nunes, who has announced a comeback.
Keep an eye on the UFC calendar from December to March as there is a gap for a new or old face to emerge in Poatan’s absence.
