After Losing the Belt, What’s Next for Alex Pereira in 2025?

On March 8 at UFC 313, the MMA world witnessed a dramatic shift in the UFC Light Heavyweight division. Alex Pereira, known for his elite-level striking and thunderous knockout power, lost his title to Magomed Ankalaev via unanimous decision. The fight was a clear win for Ankalaev, who approached the bout with calculated strategy and tactical control, neutralizing Pereira’s strengths over five rounds.

This moment marked a pivotal transition in Pereira’s UFC career. Now, with the belt no longer around his waist, the big question looms: What lies ahead for the former two-division champion?

UFC 313 – The Title Loss to Magomed Ankalaev

Alex Pereira’s defeat at UFC 313 came at the hands of a well-prepared Magomed Ankalaev, who earned a unanimous decision victory. Ankalaev utilized precise footwork, superior cage control, and positional dominance to frustrate Pereira’s rhythm. Known for his devastating left hook and leg kicks, Pereira found himself stifled by Ankalaev’s ability to close the distance and shut down exchanges.

Across five rounds, Ankalaev’s game plan kept Pereira on the back foot, earning him all three judges’ scorecards and the UFC Light Heavyweight title. The loss was Pereira’s first at 205 lbs in the UFC, shaking up the balance in the division.

Immediate Rematch Potential

Despite the decisive nature of his loss, Pereira’s reputation as a fan-favorite and former two-weight world champion keeps the conversation about a possible rematch alive. UFC President Dana White has often backed fighters who draw pay-per-view numbers, and Pereira’s star power still looms large.

With his previous dominance over fighters like Jan Błachowicz and Jiri Procházka, many fans and analysts believe Pereira deserves another shot to reclaim his title. The question is whether the UFC brass sees a storyline compelling enough to warrant an immediate rematch with Ankalaev or if Pereira will need to notch another win first.

Pereira’s Prior Dominance at 205

Before UFC 313, Alex Pereira made a thunderous entrance into the light heavyweight division. After moving up from middleweight—where he had already held the championship—Pereira quickly established himself as a force. His brutal win over Jan Błachowicz via split decision and his sensational knockout of former champion Jiri Procházka solidified his standing as a titleholder in just a handful of fights.

That rapid ascension added to his aura, making his presence at 205 lbs feel like an era-defining moment. His knockout artistry and relentless forward pressure made him one of the most exciting champions in recent years.

Ankalaev’s Strategy and Control

Magomed Ankalaev’s ability to shut down Alex Pereira wasn’t a fluke—it was the result of a finely tuned strategy. Ankalaev focused on cage control, lateral movement, and selective engagement, refusing to get drawn into risky striking exchanges. He disrupted Pereira’s rhythm by mixing in grappling threats and using clinch work to wear him down.

This strategy turned the bout into a chess match, with Ankalaev staying one step ahead. By limiting Pereira to low-output rounds and keeping him from landing signature strikes, Ankalaev demonstrated how calculated strategy can neutralize even the UFC’s most dangerous strikers.

Alternate Matchups – Aleksandar Rakić

Aleksandar Rakić represents a fascinating challenge for Alex Pereira should the rematch not materialize. Rakić is known for his technical kickboxing base and calculated striking, similar to Pereira but with a greater reliance on movement and range control. A bout between these two would offer a high-level striking showcase, potentially playing out as a chess match between two tacticians.

For Pereira, facing Rakić could serve as a reset opportunity while still staying close to the top of the division. A win over Rakić would re-establish Pereira as a prime contender and keep his legacy trajectory alive.

Alternate Matchups – Johnny Walker

Another matchup that could ignite fan interest is Alex Pereira vs. Johnny Walker. Walker brings unpredictability and athletic explosiveness, often entering fights with wild techniques and chaotic energy.

While Pereira is more methodical, the contrast in styles would be pure entertainment. Both fighters have knockout power, and such a pairing could end in dramatic fashion. For Pereira, taking on a flashy, unorthodox opponent like Walker might be a risk, but it’s one that comes with high visibility and potential reward if he secures a definitive finish.

Superfight Possibilities

Even with the title gone, Pereira’s name still commands attention. A legacy-driven superfight—perhaps at catchweight—remains an appealing direction. Whether it’s facing an old rival from the middleweight days or stepping into a special-rules bout, Pereira has options that don’t depend on divisional rankings.

Exhibition bouts, cross-promotional events, or even middleweight returns could be part of the conversation. His crossover appeal as a two-division UFC champion and former Glory kickboxing legend makes him a viable headline act no matter the weight class or opponent.

Fans and Betting Engagement

The UFC continues to captivate audiences across the country—including in North Carolina, where fans are now following stars like Pereira through digital tools powered by NC sportsbook promos, offering fight previews, rankings insights, and more.

Even without a belt, Pereira remains one of the most bet-on fighters, thanks to his knockout reputation and compelling storylines. This fan engagement will keep him relevant in conversations around fight night cards and title implications, which the UFC marketing machine won’t ignore.

Evaluating Pereira’s Skillset Post-UFC 313

The loss to Ankalaev exposed the need for greater defensive versatility in Pereira’s game. While his striking remains elite, Pereira’s takedown defense and footwork under pressure became focal points for improvement.

If he wants to reclaim his spot atop the division, Pereira may need to invest more in his wrestling and positional awareness. Working with elite grappling coaches and emphasizing cardio and clinch control could be the difference in future five-round fights. He’s already shown the capacity to evolve—moving from kickboxing to becoming a two-division UFC champ—and this could be the next chapter in his growth.

The UFC Light Heavyweight Picture

With Magomed Ankalaev now the champion, the UFC Light Heavyweight division is in flux. Fighters like Jamahal Hill, Jan Błachowicz, Nikita Krylov, and even surging prospects like Carlos Ulberg are all in the conversation. Pereira’s position as a former champion gives him immediate leverage, but he must stay active and relevant.

One loss doesn’t push him far from the top, but in such a competitive field, every matchup counts. Whether it’s one win away from a rematch or a longer path back to gold, Pereira’s next steps will determine how quickly he can reclaim his place at the summit.

The Road Ahead for Pereira

Alex Pereira’s UFC story is far from over. The loss at UFC 313 marks a chapter—not the end—of his championship journey. His ability to bounce back, retool his game, and find compelling matchups will shape his 2025 campaign. Whether he opts for a rematch, takes a high-stakes matchup like Rakić or Walker, or ventures into legacy superfights.