Following a decisive victory at UFC 320 that saw him reclaim the light heavyweight title, Alex Pereira, known colloquially as ‘Poatan,’ has wasted no time in articulating his next grand ambition: a move to the heavyweight division. This isn`t merely about collecting another belt; it`s a direct challenge to the very pinnacle of the sport, a quest that could see him confront the legendary Jon Jones and, in doing so, etch his name deeper into UFC history by tying an iconic record held for over a decade.
Pereira`s rapid ascent through the UFC ranks has been nothing short of spectacular. From middleweight champion to a two-time light heavyweight king, his striking prowess is undeniable. His latest triumph at UFC 320 on October 4, where he stopped Magomed Ankalaev in the opening round, not only restored his reign but also marked his sixth knockout in a UFC title fight. This places him just one shy of the monumental record held by arguably the greatest Brazilian fighter of all time, Anderson Silva. `The Spider` boasts seven title fight knockouts, a benchmark that has stood firm since his last such finish in 2012 against Chael Sonnen, a testament to its enduring difficulty.
The potential clash with Jon Jones adds layers of intrigue. Jones, widely considered the UFC`s greatest of all time, currently holds the heavyweight championship. A fight between these two titans would transcend divisions, becoming a battle for ultimate supremacy and legacy. For Pereira, defeating Jones would not only secure a third divisional title but also provide the unparalleled opportunity to match Silva`s long-held knockout record. Finishing Jones, a man only stopped by disqualification in his entire career, would be a statement of profound magnitude, a singular achievement that would forever alter the narrative of both fighters.
While UFC President Dana White has, at times, expressed reservations about fighters frequently changing weight classes, the sheer magnitude and commercial appeal of a Pereira vs. Jones super fight would be difficult to ignore. It’s the kind of match-up that sells itself, a rare confluence of power, skill, and historical significance that promises to captivate the global mixed martial arts audience. The stakes are immense: for Pereira, it’s a shot at unparalleled multi-divisional glory and a statistical tie with a legend; for Jones, it`s defending his “GOAT” status against a terrifyingly potent challenger; and for Silva, it`s watching to see if his long-standing benchmark will finally be equaled.
Other Noteworthy Feats at UFC 320: Gautier`s Knockout Streak
UFC 320 wasn`t just about headline-grabbing title fights; it also showcased other emerging talents and record-tying performances. One such fighter was Ateba Gautier, who continued his impressive run since joining the promotion in September 2024. Gautier delivered a dominant opening-round knockout victory over Treston Vines, marking his third consecutive first-round finish inside the Octagon. This achievement places him in elite company, tying the longest active UFC knockout streak alongside reigning champions Tom Aspinall and Ilia Topuria. While perhaps not carrying the same historical weight as Pereira`s pursuit of Silva`s record, it highlights the continuous evolution of talent and the pursuit of excellence across all divisions within the UFC.
In the unpredictable world of mixed martial arts, plans can shift with a single punch, but Alex Pereira`s intention to challenge Jon Jones for the heavyweight crown, and with it, a chance to equal Anderson Silva`s illustrious record, sets the stage for what could be one of the most compelling narratives in recent UFC history. The echoes of “seven knockouts in title fights” loom large, waiting to see if `Poatan` can deliver the knockout blow that secures his place alongside legends.
