Alex Pereira Identifies Dricus Du Plessis as a Top contender for a future Superfight

UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex “Poatan” Pereira has sent shockwaves through the MMA world by naming Dricus Du Plessis among his top three potential opponents after UFC 313. With his title defense against Magomed Ankalaev approaching, Pereira is already setting his sights on future challenges—some within the UFC and others beyond. Among them, Du Plessis, the reigning UFC middleweight champion, stands out as a fascinating option, hinting at a possible high-stakes, cross-division battle that could redefine both fighters’ legacies.

In this deep dive, we explore Pereira’s reasoning behind his selections, analyze a potential showdown with Du Plessis, and examine the broader impact such a fight could have on the UFC landscape.

Alex Pereira’s Current Standing and UFC 313 Outlook

Alex Pereira has cemented himself as one of the UFC’s most dangerous fighters. After making the jump from middleweight to light heavyweight, he swiftly captured the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, proving his devastating power carries across divisions. With highlight-reel knockouts over some of the sport’s best—including former champions Israel Adesanya and Jan Błachowicz—Pereira has solidified his place among the elite.

At UFC 313, scheduled for March 8, 2025, Pereira will put his title on the line against Magomed Ankalaev, the division’s top-ranked contender. This matchup presents a compelling clash of styles, with Ankalaev bringing a well-rounded game that could test Pereira in ways he hasn’t been tested before. A victory over Ankalaev would not only extend Pereira’s reign but also open the door for high-profile matchups against some of the biggest names in combat sports.

Dricus Du Plessis: The Middleweight Powerhouse Eyeing Two-Division Glory

Dricus “Stillknocks” Du Plessis has taken the UFC by storm with his relentless fighting style and iron will. The South African powerhouse captured the UFC Middleweight Championship by overcoming former champions and proving that his unorthodox, pressure-heavy approach can break even the most technical opponents.

Although Du Plessis has expressed interest in moving up to 205 pounds, he has made it clear that he wants to defend his middleweight belt first. His immediate focus is on Khamzat Chimaev, another rising star who has been tearing through competition. However, once his obligations in the middleweight division are fulfilled, Du Plessis sees a fight with Pereira as an opportunity to achieve greatness and become a two-division champion.

Pereira’s Other Potential Opponents

While Du Plessis is one of the leading candidates for Pereira’s next big fight, the Brazilian champion has also named two other major contenders:

1. Jon Jones: A Legacy-Defining Super Fight

Jon “Bones” Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. Now the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, Jones presents a unique challenge for Pereira—one that could cement his legacy as a multi-division great.

A fight between Pereira and Jones would be a monumental event bringing together two of the most dominant strikers and strategists in modern MMA. The size difference would be significant, but Pereira’s knockout power could make this matchup intriguing. However, whether Jones would entertain such a bout remains uncertain.

2. Oleksandr Usyk: A Crossover into Boxing?

In a surprising twist, Pereira has also hinted at the possibility of crossing over into professional boxing to face Oleksandr Usyk, the current undisputed heavyweight boxing champion. This would be an ambitious move, considering Pereira’s MMA background, but with his world-class kickboxing credentials, he may believe he has a legitimate chance against one of boxing’s finest.

UFC President Dana White has recently shown interest in expanding into boxing, and a Pereira vs. Usyk fight could be a major draw. If Pereira decides to pursue this path, it could mark one of the biggest crossover events in combat sports history.

How would a Pereira vs. Du Plessis fight play out?

A potential fight between Pereira and Du Plessis presents a fascinating stylistic matchup that could deliver fireworks inside the Octagon. Here’s how the two champions compare:

Striking vs. Pressure Fighting

• Pereira: As one of the most feared strikers in the UFC, Pereira boasts precision, knockout power, and elite kickboxing experience. His ability to control range and land devastating shots has been the downfall of many opponents.
• Du Plessis: Unlike Pereira’s technical striking, Du Plessis fights with relentless forward pressure, awkward but effective movement, and overwhelming volume. He absorbs damage well and continues to push forward, forcing his opponents into deep waters.

This contrast in striking styles would make for an exciting stand-up battle.

Grappling and Ground Game

• Pereira: While his takedown defense has improved significantly, grappling is still considered his weakest area. Wrestlers and grapplers have found success in controlling him on the ground.
• Du Plessis: One of his biggest advantages is his wrestling prowess. He has shown the ability to take down and submit high-level opponents, which could pose a major problem for Pereira.

If Du Plessis can close the distance and initiate grappling exchanges, he could neutralize Pereira’s striking and put himself in a favorable position.

Cardio and Durability

• Pereira: Known for his explosive power, but he tends to slow down in later rounds if forced into a grueling pace.
• Du Plessis: His greatest weapon is his cardio and durability. He thrives in high-pressure situations and has repeatedly proven his ability to survive punishment and keep pushing forward.

If the fight extends into the championship rounds, Du Plessis could have the advantage in terms of endurance.

The Bigger Picture: What This Fight Means for the UFC

A New Era of Cross-Division Super Fights

A fight between Pereira and Du Plessis would mark another high-profile champion vs. champion clash, continuing a trend that has elevated the UFC’s biggest stars. The success of previous super fights—such as Adesanya vs. Pereira and Volkanovski vs. Makhachev—has proven that fans crave these types of matchups.

If this fight happens, it could set a new precedent for cross-division title challenges, making the sport even more dynamic and unpredictable.

Could Du Plessis Be a Two-Division Champion?

Winning belts in two weight classes is one of the rarest accomplishments in MMA history. If Du Plessis manages to defeat Pereira at 205 pounds, he would join an elite club that includes fighters like Daniel Cormier, Conor McGregor, and Amanda Nunes. However, he would need to overcome the size, power, and technical striking of Pereira to make history.

The UFC’s Growing Appeal to Boxing Fans

With Pereira considering a move into boxing, this fight could further bridge the gap between MMA and boxing audiences. As combat sports continue to evolve, crossover events are becoming more common, and a successful transition by Pereira could open the door for future UFC champions to compete in boxing matches.

Final Thoughts: Is Pereira vs. Du Plessis the Fight to Make?

Alex Pereira has plenty of options after UFC 313, but a fight with Dricus Du Plessis might be one of the most compelling. Both men are at the peak of their careers; both are champions in their respective divisions, and both bring contrasting styles that could produce an instant classic.

If Pereira successfully defends his Light Heavyweight title and Du Plessis clears out the Middleweight division, this fight could be one of the biggest events in UFC history. It’s not just about belts—it’s about legacy, history, and the pursuit of greatness.

Will the UFC make it happen? Only time will tell, but if they do, fans can expect an unforgettable war inside the Octagon.