UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira was watching one UFC Vegas 113 fight extremely closely.
Since reclaiming the UFC light heavyweight title last October, Alex Pereira has been sitting waiting to find out what his next fight will be.
The popular Brazilian is hopeful of securing a UFC heavyweight title fight against Jon Jones at the UFC White House event, despite the fact that ‘Bones’ doesn’t currently hold the belt.
However, there are still several contenders in the 205lb division that ‘Poatan’ could fight next, and he was keeping a close eye on one of his former rivals this past Saturday.
Pereira campaigns for former rival to be given a spot in the rankings
The premier promotion returned to the Meta Apex on Saturday for UFC Vegas 113, and competing on the event were light heavyweights Dustin Jacoby and Julius Walker.
Jacoby has been a fixture in the 205lb division since 2020 when he won a contract with a win on Dana White’s Contender Series.
And after going seven fights undefeated at the beginning of his tenure, he earned himself a spot in the rankings, but has since lost it.
‘The Hanyak’ has history with champion, Pereira, as the two previously clashed in the Kickboxing ring when they both competed in Glory. ‘Poatan’ scored a first round knockout over the American.
And now having scored three wins in a row after knocking out Walker in the second round, Pereira would like to see Jacoby put back in the light heavyweight rankings.
“Incredible work, Dustin Jacoby,” Pereira said as he reacted to the fight.
“Put some respect on his name and place him in the rankings! Nostalgia from the Glory days – would love to see him in the rankings to show the evolution that has occurred in a different sport! Chama!”
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
In his post-fight press conference, Jacoby was made aware of Pereira’s comments and reacted by saying: “I always leave a piece of myself in that Octagon, and I always take a piece of my opponents. So to hear that from a guy like Alex Pereira, that really makes me feel good, so I’ve got nothing but respect for him.”
Pereira could fight fellow kickboxer next
Although it is unlikely that Pereira and Jacoby revisit their rivalry in the UFC Octagon, the Brazilian champion could be set to face a fellow kickboxer next.
Carlos Ulberg is currently ranked third in the division and will likely fight for the title next, whether it is against Pereira or for a vacant…
2026-02-08 11:00:00
