Pereira to Heavyweight: Next Destination for the Champion After UFC 320?

Alex Pereira: Next Challenge in Heavyweight?

After knocking out Magomed Ankalaev and reclaiming the light heavyweight championship at UFC 320, Alex Pereira has made his wishes clear: “I want to fight at heavyweight.” Despite initial doubts from UFC CEO Dana White, Pereira’s ambition seems firm. We analyze the options for “Poatan” in the heavyweight division and the upcoming challenges for other UFC 320 stars.

Alex Pereira, Light Heavyweight

Ideal next opponent: The winner of Tom Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane. Pereira’s situation is special. Considered one of the biggest current UFC stars, a fight against Aspinall, the English champion, would generate a major event. At 38 years old, time is of the essence for Pereira, and UFC should make the most of his potential, taking him to heavyweight to try to become the first champion in three different divisions.

Possible surprise: Jon Jones

If Jones decides to return, a showdown against Pereira would be a headliner. Although UFC has maintained the position that Jones should only fight Aspinall, a fight against Pereira would also be an event of great interest.

Merab Dvalishvili, Bantamweight

Ideal next opponent: Petr Yan Dvalishvili is known for his constant activity, and all contenders will have their chance. He already defeated Yan in 2023, and a rematch is very likely. Dvalishvili seeks to fight again in December, with the ambition of becoming the first champion to win four title fights in a year.Possible upset: Song Yadong Yadong could be the first option if Yan is not available, but there is no reason to believe that will happen. It’s most likely to be Yan, especially if the fight materializes this year.

Cory Sandhagen, Bantamweight

Ideal next opponent: Sean O’Malley After his fight against Dvalishvili, Sandhagen will need recovery time. A confrontation against O’Malley has been expected for a long time and could be the start of a great rivalry.

Possible surprise: Song Yadong

It’s possible that O’Malley and Yadong could face each other in early 2026. Depending on the outcome, Yadong could be Sandhagen’s next opponent. Sandhagen already defeated Yadong by TKO in 2022, and a rematch is something fans would want to see.

Youssef Zalal, Peso Pluma

Youssef Zalal, left, had an outstanding performance against Josh Emmett.

Ideal next opponent: Arnold Allen Zalal had a dominant performance against Josh Emmett at UFC 320. Allen would be a very interesting opponent for him. Allen suffered some defeats against the best in the division, but recovered with a victory over Giga Chikadze. This fight could be spectacular.

Possible surprise: Diego Lopes

UFC could take advantage of Lopes’ moment, who comes from a sensational knockout. Zalal has just won his eighth consecutive fight. A fight between Lopes and Zalal in a Fight Night main event would be very well received.

Joe Pyfer, Middleweight

Ideal next opponent: Michael “Venom” Page Page, although he is a welterweight, is a relevant figure in middleweight and holds the number 10 position in the ranking. A fight against Pyfer, who is on the rise, would be an event of great importance.Possible surprise: Kevin Holland Similar to Page, Holland is more relevant at welterweight, but is willing to fight in both divisions. He would be a great name to face Pyfer. Although Holland is not ranked at middleweight, this fight would give Pyfer prestige and, if he wins, would pit him against a ranked opponent.