Not caring too much about the Magomed Ankalaev bout at UFC 313, Alex Pereira is only excited about the prospect of fighting Oleksandr Usyk

As UFC 313 approaches, reigning UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex “Po Atan” Pereira is not only preparing for a high-stakes title defense against Magomed Ankalaev, but he’s also stirring excitement with talks of a potential boxing match against Oleksandr Usyk, the unified heavyweight boxing champion. With UFC President Dana White expressing interest in developing a boxing division under the UFC umbrella, the possibility of Pereira stepping into the ring against Usyk seems more realistic than ever. This article delves into Pereira’s meteoric rise, his upcoming clash at UFC 313, and the tantalizing prospect of a cross-sport megafight with Usyk.

Alex Pereira: A Dominant Force in Combat Sports

Alex Pereira’s combat sports journey is nothing short of legendary. Born in São Bernardo do Campo, Brazil, he initially gained prominence in kickboxing, where he became a two-division Glory Kickboxing World Champion. His devastating knockout power and technical precision made him one of the most feared strikers in the sport. After transitioning to mixed martial arts (MMA), Pereira quickly ascended the ranks in the UFC. He captured the middleweight championship before moving up to the light heavyweight division, where he defeated former champion Jiří Procházka to claim the title. His rapid success across multiple disciplines has cemented his reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport today.

UFC 313: Pereira vs. Ankalaev A Clash of Styles

Scheduled for March 8, 2025, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, UFC 313 will see Pereira defend his light heavyweight title against the formidable Magomed Ankalaev. This matchup is highly anticipated due to the stark contrast in fighting styles.

Magomed Ankalaev: A Dangerous Challenger

Magomed Ankalaev, a native of Dagestan, Russia, is renowned for his Combat Sambo background and elite-level wrestling. His grappling-heavy style has overwhelmed many opponents, making him a top contender in the division. Ankalaev’s ability to dictate fights on the ground presents a major challenge for Pereira, who thrives on striking exchanges. Ankalaev also possesses underrated striking skills, particularly in his counterpunching and defensive movement. His ability to mix wrestling with striking makes him one of the most well-rounded fighters in the division.

Fighter Perspectives on UFC 313

Many notable figures in the MMA community have weighed in on the upcoming fight: Israel Adesanya, a former opponent of Pereira, believes Pereira will secure a knockout victory in the later rounds. He highlights Pereira’s devastating leg kicks and improved wrestling defense as key factors in neutralizing Ankalaev’s grappling threats. Jamahal Hill, a former light heavyweight champion, sees things differently. He believes Ankalaev’s speed, patience, and counter-striking ability could lead him to victory. These contrasting opinions underscore the unpredictability of the matchup, making UFC 313 a must-watch event.

Beyond the Octagon: Alex Pereira’s Boxing Aspirations

While his immediate focus remains on UFC 313, Pereira has been openly enthusiastic about transitioning to boxing for a showdown with Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk, the current unified heavyweight boxing champion, has dominated the division with his masterful footwork, elite-level defensive skills, and unparalleled fight IQ. Facing Pereira would not only be a clash of champions but also a historic crossover event that could reshape combat sports.

Dana White’s Boxing Ambitions

UFC President Dana White has long been interested in the boxing world. Reports suggest he is working on launching a boxing league under the UFC brand, aiming to bring order to the often-disjointed boxing scene. A Pereira vs. Usyk bout aligns perfectly with White’s vision. It offers a blockbuster crossover event that would generate massive pay-per-view revenue and attract fans from both sports.

Pereira’s Thoughts on the Usyk Fight

In a recent interview, Pereira expressed his excitement about the possibility of facing Usyk.

“I jumped out of my seat when I saw the news. Maybe it happens in September, in Saudi Arabia. I was the first one interested in this, and then Usyk. Now, we’ll see how the organizers feel about it. I’m ready.”

Pereira made it clear that if UFC supports the idea, he will step into the ring.

“I don’t think too far ahead. A lot of these things weren’t even in my mind before. But if we’re talking about future fights, I see three possibilities: Dricus Du Plessis, Jon Jones, or Oleksandr Usyk. If UFC wants it, I’ll do it.”

His confidence in competing across multiple combat disciplines is a testament to his warrior spirit.

How Would Pereira Fare Against Usyk in Boxing?

A potential fight between Pereira and Usyk raises several intriguing questions. How would Pereira’s MMA striking translate into boxing? Could he close the skill gap against one of the greatest heavyweights of this era?

Key Factors to Consider

1. Striking Adaptation: Pereira’s kickboxing experience gives him a strong foundation, but boxing requires different footwork, defensive movements, and punch combinations. He would need to refine his jab, head movement, and defensive skills to compete at the highest level.

2. Usyk’s Technical Superiority: Usyk’s southpaw stance, elite-level footwork, and defensive mastery make him a nightmare for any boxer, let alone an MMA fighter transitioning into the sport. His ability to control distance and pace would be a significant challenge for Pereira.

3. Size and Physical Attributes: Pereira has competed in light heavyweight (205 lbs) and middleweight (185 lbs) divisions, while Usyk fights at heavyweight (220+ lbs). Pereira would likely need to bulk up to compete effectively in a boxing match against a naturally bigger opponent.

Potential Fight Implications

If the fight materializes, it would have major implications for both combat sports: A win for Pereira would establish him as a true crossover superstar, opening doors for further high-profile boxing matches. A Loss for Pereira: Could affect his MMA credibility, depending on the manner of defeat. A Win for Usyk: Would reinforce boxing’s superiority over MMA in pure striking combat. A Loss for Usyk—Would be a major upset, shaking the boxing world to its core. Regardless of the outcome, a fight between Pereira and Usyk would be a spectacle with massive global interest.

Pereira’s Immediate Goal: Defeating Ankalaev at UFC 313

While Pereira’s boxing aspirations are making headlines, he remains laser-focused on his upcoming title defense against Magomed Ankalaev.

“If I were a fan, I’d definitely watch this fight. It’s a classic striker vs. wrestler matchup. But I’ve been training wrestling and grappling for a long time. I’m ready.”

Pereira acknowledges that Ankalaev is more than just a grappler, praising his well-rounded abilities. However, he remains confident in his own preparation and skillset.

“I’ve been working on my takedown defense and ground game ever since I joined UFC. I trained with Glover Teixeira, and I know I’m ready for whatever comes my way.”

Conclusion: What’s Next for Pereira?

Alex Pereira stands at a pivotal moment in his career. A victory over Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 would solidify his reign as UFC Light Heavyweight Champion. However, his ambitions extend beyond the octagon, with a potential superfight against Oleksandr Usyk looming on the horizon. Whether he remains king of the UFC’s light heavyweight division or transitions into boxing superstardom, one thing is certain: Pereira’s journey is far from over. Combat sports fans should stay tuned: Po Atan is just getting started.