Alex Pereira urges rankings recognition for ex-rival after UFC Vegas 113 KO

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UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira had a keen eye on one particular fight at UFC Vegas 113.

Since regaining the title last October, ‘Poatan’ has been waiting to learn who he will face next.

The Brazilian is hoping to land a UFC heavyweight title shot against Jon Jones at the UFC White House event, even though Jones does not currently hold the belt.

But there are still several fighters in the light heavyweight division who could be in line for a shot, and this past Saturday, Pereira was paying close attention to one of them.

Alex Pereira calls for former opponent’s return to the rankings

The UFC returned to Meta Apex over the weekend with a card that included a light heavyweight matchup between Dustin Jacoby and Julius Walker.

Jacoby has been part of the division since 2020, earning his spot after a win on Dana White’s Contender Series.

He started his UFC career with a seven-fight unbeaten run, which helped him break into the rankings, though he has since dropped out.

Jacoby and Pereira have crossed paths before. They met in the Glory kickboxing ring, where ‘Poatan’ knocked out Jacoby in the first round.

Now, following three straight wins and a knockout of Walker, the Brazilian star thinks it is time for the 37-year-old American to get another look from the rankings panel.

“Incredible work, Dustin Jacoby,” Pereira said after 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!”

Speaking at his post-fight press conference, Jacoby responded: “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 really makes me feel good so I’ve got nothing but respect for him.”

Alex Pereira’s next opponent may come from familiar territory

While a rematch between Pereira and Jacoby is not on the cards, the UFC champion could soon face another fighter with a kickboxing background.

Carlos Ulberg, who is currently third in the light heavyweight rankings, appears to be next in line for a title shot. It is just a matter of whether it will be against Pereira or for a vacant belt.