Alex Pereira Must Fight This Destroyer Before Challenging Jon Jones for UFC Heavyweight Title

Alex Pereira's popularity has significantly increased over time. The Light-Heavyweight is putting on standout performance one after another in the UFC's octagon and has seemingly become the most feared fighter on the roster. As his stature is reaching an extent there are assertions that he should climb up the weight ladder and challenge Jon Jones for the Heavyweight title. It would be an absolute dream of a match as Pereira is beginning to be seen as a threat to Jones' undefeated MMA record. However, there's another match that may not hit the commercial scale as much as Jones vs Pereira would do, but it is still a relevant booking in the Light-Heavyweight class.

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Magomed Ankalaev: The Biggest Threat To Alex Pereira's Title Reign?

Magomed Ankalaev, who is currently ranked second in the Light-Heavyweight rankings could make Pereira run for his money and perhaps dethrone him from the 205-lbs strap. So, far Ankalaev has steamrolled over most of his opponents in the UFC and has been knocking on the doors for quite a few years. As Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill have failed to bring any challenge to Poatan, it might be time for Ankalaev to get his due and get the title shot. Moreover, with the fight prowess he possesses, having the ability to wrestle as well as strike, Pereira could even struggle to get a hold of Ankalaev in Octagon.

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Alex Pereira Gets Acknowledgement from Anthony Smith

While who would Alex Pereira fight next is a big question, the impact he has created has not gone unnoticed. Anthony Smith, who had an indirect back-and-forth with Pereira recently, was all praise while expressing his thoughts on the Light-Heavyweight champion.

"I think he's great, he's done a lot of great things in his career. I think he's gonna go down in history books as one of the best we have ever seen. The things he has done, he has won two titles in different weight classes. He's got some really good wins against some very tough people. He's a fantastic striker and his MMA game is rounding out as he goes. Especially at his age. He's not super young guy. He's been around in combat sports for really long time. So the miles he has, at the age he is, and the things he's able to do, I think we are watching something special happen." Smith told Republic.

*Sony Sports Network is the official broadcaster for UFC in India.