Alex Pereira's focus on competing for the belt remained unchanged, regardless of who his opponent would be.
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Alex Pereira’s desire for a shot at the light heavyweight title has ignited excitement and anticipation in the UFC. The Brazilian fighter, known as “Poatan,” showcased his exceptional skills and unwavering determination during an exhilarating showdown with Jan Blachowicz, the No. 3-ranked contender and former 205-pound champion, at UFC 291. This co-main event unfolded last Saturday night at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, culminating in a fierce battle where Pereira emerged triumphant through a hard-fought split decision.
In a hard-fought battle, Pereira emerged victorious over Blachowicz, although the Polish fighter’s formidable ground game posed a challenge and showcased his resilience. Despite some media outlets favouring Blachowicz in their scoring, Pereira consistently displayed his skill and determination throughout the entire fight.
During his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Pereira voiced his determination to secure the light heavyweight title. His unwavering focus on competing for the belt remained unchanged, regardless of who his opponent would be. This opportunity arises as the current light heavyweight crown remains vacant due to Jamahal Hill’s unfortunate Achilles tendon injury. Pereira recognizes this as a chance to claim the throne in this division.
Read more: Trevin Giles confident to hand Gabriel Bonfim his first career loss at UFC 291
The UFC had previously considered the winner of the Pereira vs. Blachowicz bout as a potential challenger for Jiri Prochazka’s title. However, they did not make any concrete promises regarding the future of the 205-pound strap. Now, with the belt up for grabs, Pereira is determined to establish himself in the division and assert his claim as the rightful champion.
Pereira made a wise decision by moving to the light heavyweight division, and his performance against Blachowicz proved it. The Brazilian fighter shared that cutting weight was less demanding in this weight class, resulting in a noticeable improvement in his performance.
Magomed Ankalaev, the second-ranked contender for the light heavyweight title, has eagerly awaited his opportunity. He expressed openness to a potential matchup against Pereira, acknowledging the varying levels within the sport. Additionally, the presence of Aleksander Rakic at number four adds depth to the division and intensifies competition for the coveted title.
The UFC matchmakers face the task of sorting through various contenders, considering recovery timelines and fighter availability, to select the worthy challengers for the 205-pound belt. Pereira’s victory at UFC 291 certainly places him in the mix, but the competition remains fierce, with no clear-cut favourite for the title shot.
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