UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Magomed Ankalaev`s first title defense might not be an immediate rematch against Alex Pereira.
Ankalaev captured the title by defeating Alex Pereira via unanimous decision at UFC 313 earlier this year. This victory extended Ankalaev`s impressive win streak in the Octagon and halted Pereira`s undefeated run in the light heavyweight category.
Immediately following UFC 313, there was widespread discussion about a rematch between Ankalaev and Pereira, with both fighters seemingly agreeing to a second bout later in the year. However, Pereira`s current break from fighting has led to speculation that the immediate rematch he desires may not happen.
If Pereira is not ready to return soon, the UFC matchmakers might look elsewhere for Ankalaev`s initial title defense. A notable former UFC fighter has suggested a surprising candidate who hasn`t been widely discussed recently.
Former UFC Fighter Suggests Unexpected Challenger
The UFC light heavyweight division features several intriguing contenders, including former champions Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka. Prochazka recently secured an impressive finish over Hill at UFC 311, while Hill is scheduled to face former title challenger Khalil Rountree Jr. next month.
Despite these names, another fighter is being discussed as a potential opponent for Ankalaev`s championship reign.
Speaking on a recent episode of the Weighing In podcast, former UFC fighter Josh Thomson named Carlos Ulberg as a potential opponent for Ankalaev`s first defense.
“What you have is Jamahal Hill coming off a loss, Jan Blachowicz coming off a loss, Aleksandar Rakic coming off a loss, Khalil Rountree Jr. coming off a loss,” Thomson said. “Dominick Reyes is number eight, he’s got a win. You’ve got Carlos Ulberg, that’s it, at number three. You have Jiri but Jiri can’t fight. I mean, throw, I would say Ulberg, put him in there, see if Ankalaev will stand with him as well.
“There’s nothing else you can do. I mean, we’re looking for that guy to bring an exciting fight to Ankalaev because right now, good luck trying to sell that.”
Ulberg recently extended his eight-fight win streak by defeating Jan Blachowicz at UFC London. A title win for Ulberg would add him to the list of Dana White`s Contender Series graduates who have claimed UFC gold.
During his UFC tenure, Ulberg has secured victories over opponents like Volkan Oezdemir, Alonzo Menifield, and Da-Un Jung. After losing his UFC debut at UFC 259, Ulberg has been on a dominant run, including five stoppage victories.
Alex Pereira Uncertainty and Other Potential Challengers
Separately, speculation about Alex Pereira`s potential retirement arose after his social media account was hacked, posting a cryptic message. Pereira later clarified the post was not his and hinted at dissatisfaction with the UFC rather than retirement.
Heavyweight contender Jailton Almeida has also expressed interest in facing Ankalaev, potentially returning to light heavyweight. Almeida is coming off a first-round stoppage win over Serghei Spivac at UFC 311.
As the UFC considers options for Ankalaev`s next fight in the light heavyweight division, there are several potential contenders. Carlos Ulberg is now being discussed as a dark horse candidate for a title shot sooner than many anticipated.
Gareth Tenby