In our cover
- UFC. A UFC legend is clear: "Topuria is the Fighter of the Year"
- UFC. Brandon Moreno, the Mexican warrior of a thousand and one lives
If you have a problem, call Alex Pereira. At least, if you're the UFC. The light heavyweight champion - and former middleweight champion - has been a lifesaver for Dana White throughout 2024, and the injury to Belal Muhammad that will prevent him from defending his welterweight belt at the UFC 310 on December 8 has once again put 'Poatan' on the list of names to save the card. Pereira has already defended his crown three times this year - he won the belt in November 2023 - and if he does so a fourth time he would be the only fighter in history to do so.
After it became known that the Palestinian was unable to fight Shavkat Rakhmonov and make his first title defense, rumors of all kinds began to surface on social media. There was talk of an interim belt fight between Rakhmonov and Usman, Ian Garry also asked to fight the Kazakh, Leon Edwards as the last champion... However, as was logical, fans began to fantasize about the idea that 'Poatan' would once again be the people's hero.
If the UFC needs me for December 7, I'm ready
The hype for this to happen increased when it was leaked through several American media that the UFC had ed Pereira and Ankalaev to probe the fight. As if that wasn't enough, both fighters put the emoji of a phone through their social networks, hinting that they are ready for a call. In fact, the Russian fighter put another message shortly afterwards even more hopeful. "I have spoken to my manager and if the UFC needs me for December 7, I am ready," he said.
It should be noted that the Brazilian defended his belt against Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307on October 6, while Ankalaev defeated Alexander Rakic at UFC 306 on October 26. Without the possibility of a training camp for the fight, the idea of them fighting again in just a month and a half is utopian, but real because of their recent messages.
The year of 'Poatan'
The fact that it was the welterweight champion who was injured and not the challenger means that the card loses strength if that fight is not replaced by another championship fight. That is why it has been considered to look for a rival for Rakhmonov by making an interim belt. Although on the same evening Alexandre Pantoja will defend his flyweight belt against the debutant Kai Asakura, this fight does not have enough media appeal to be the main event. The UFC needs to find someone, and their wildcard this year has always been Alex Pereira.
Since knocking out Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295 to win the belt, Alex Pereira has become UFC's biggest superstar. At UFC 300 last April, one of the most important cards in recent years, the company had no main event. As much as they searched, the date was approaching and solutions were few, until Pereira appeared. 'Poatan' agreed to defend his belt against Jamahal Hill, knocking him out in the first round.
Less than three months later, McGregor was injured and the UFC 303 main event was in limbo less than two weeks away. With their backs against the wall, the company desperately searched for a fight worthy of such an important card, and again Pereira raised his hand to face Jiri Prochazka in a rematch in which he would again knock him out with a head kick that further enhanced his legacy.
Fighter of the Year award in jeopardy for Topuria
Less than a month ago, the light heavyweight champion knocked out - once again - Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307, making him the champion who took the least time to make three defenses of the belt - 176 days. The record was held by Ronda Rousey in 2015 with 189 days. Now, 'Poatan' has the chance to be the only one to defend the belt four times in a year, which would dispel doubts about the fighter of the year award that will be contested with Ilia Topuria.
Although the Brazilian has fought once more than 'El Matador', the quality of the opponents the Spanish-Georgian has beaten is much higher, as knocking out the two most important legends in the history of your division - with all due respect to Jose Aldo - is something unprecedented. However, should 'Poatan' successfully defend his belt again, there would be no debate as to who deserves the 'Fighter of the Year'.
Legends such as Tito Ortiz or Joanna Jedrzejczyk came close to making those four defenses in a calendar year, but so far there is no precedent. In fact, if he does so and emerges victorious, it would be five fights in 13 months for Pereira, and if he also knocks out or submits, it would also be five finishes. Unprecedented.
It is likely that the fight between Pereira and Ankalaev will not take place in December, as the champion confessed that he also has other commitments outside the octagon that he has not been able to carry out in 2024 due to his continuous activity. In addition, Ankalaev is a huge challenge, so a camp is essential to come out victorious. However, Alex is a company man, and whenever the UFC has needed him, he has been there. Anything can happen.