Alex Pereira is back on top of the light heavyweight mountain after avenging his championship loss to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 last weekend in Las Vegas, stopping “Big Ank” in just over a minute. “Poatan”
used his post-fight victory speech to pay his respects to Jon Jones, who lost his brother Arthur earlier in the week.
Then subsequently called for a “Bones” showdown at heavyweight.
The more likely scenario is that Pereira will move on to defend his 205-pound strap against surging contender Carlos Ulberg in early 2026, possibly for the promotion’s Paramount+ debut or even at UFC White House. Not surprisingly, the sportsbooks have Pereira the betting favorite over “Black Jag.”
But a massive underdog against Jones.
Alex Pereira -185
Carlos Ulberg +160
Alex Pereira -300
Jiri Prochazka +250
Alex Pereira +675
Jon Jones -1000
Odds courtesy of SportsBetting.ag.
“Poatan means stone hands. Like a stone for example is something strong, that’s why I tattooed it on my hands — hands of stone,” coach Plinio Cruz told BBC Sport.”Alex not only delivers on the fighting, he’s a likeable person. He’s a superstar but he doesn’t have that superstar vibe which people cannot reach. Because of his humble beginnings I think people can relate to him — and that means everything. Tell me someone who’s conquered two Glory belts and two UFC belts. For me, he’s one of the best combat sports athletes that has ever happened because of these achievements.”
For more results and highlights from UFC 320 click here.
