Is Alex Pereira vs Oleksandr Usyk a Possibility Following UFC 313 Loss?
UFC 313 saw Alex Periera lose his UFC Light Heavyweight Champion to Magomed Ankalaev via unanimous decision. Pereira was on track to have the most successful UFC title defenses in one year, though, unfortunately, that did not happen. Despite the loss, Alex is considered by many to be a legend in the UFC, as he has six wins over former world champions. With him now suffering his first loss in the 205-pound division, is it the perfect time for Pereira to take a break from the Octagon and challenge WBC, WBA, and WBO Heavyweight Champion Oleksandr Usyk?
Oleksandr Usyk has amassed a record of 23-0, and many already consider him one of the greatest heavyweights in boxing history. Similarly to Alex Pereira, Usyk is a two-division champion in his respective sport, and they have both become all-timers in the 2020s. The two have been very open about competing in a boxing match, which would certainly be watched worldwide. This matchup has become much more probable with UFC President Dana White now entering boxing and forming his new promotion alongside Turki Alalshikh.
Alalshikh has become much more involved in the sport of boxing, and Oleksandr Usyk is one of the many boxing stars who have aligned themselves with him. He will be arguably the most vital piece in this new promotion, as he is considered the best heavyweight in the world. Usyk’s two wins over Tyson Fury transformed him into a household name, which is why he earned over $100 million in his last fight. A fight between Usyk and Alex Pereira could potentially be the highest-drawing fight in the history of combat sports.
Alex Pereira has been in talks with multiple UFC fighters, including UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones and UFC Middleweight Champion Dricus du Plessis. However, an immediate rematch with Magomed Ankalaev is now also on the table, given the title loss. A transition into boxing against Oleksandr Usyk, though, would certainly be much more intriguing, as fans of both sports will tune in to watch a super fight. Usyk and Pereira have both taken over combat sports in the 2020s, and a fight between them has certainly become a possibility following UFC 313.
