Alex Pereira may return to save UFC 310 after the main event falls through!
Pereira’s possible comeback after a short break
Alex Pereira, the current UFC light heavyweight champion, might make an unexpected return to the Octagon before the year ends. Fresh from his victory at UFC 307, where he knocked out Khalil Rountree Jr. to defend his title, Pereira initially announced he’d be taking a break. The 37-year-old champion set a record by defending his title three times in just 175 days, surpassing Ronda Rousey’s longstanding record. Despite his intention to rest, Pereira might now step up to headline UFC 310 on December 7 as the event’s main event faces changes.
UFC 310’s main event under threat
The UFC’s final 2024 event, UFC 310, was originally set to showcase a welterweight title defense between new champion Belal Muhammad and unbeaten contender Shavkat Rakhmonov. Muhammad, who claimed the title from Leon Edwards in July at UFC 304, was excited about his first title defense. UFC President Dana White had confirmed that Rakhmonov, an 18-0 powerhouse, would be his opponent. UFC 310 was also expected to feature a flyweight title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Kai Asakura, making it a highly anticipated event for fans.
Unfortunately, this exciting main event matchup is now in question. Belal Muhammad has withdrawn due to bone infection, leaving the UFC to scramble for a main event replacement with only a few weeks to go. Rakhmonov will remain on standby until Muhammad recovers, but there is now hope for a high-profile replacement to keep fans engaged.
Alex Pereira approached for short-notice match with Ankalaev
To address the scheduling issue, UFC officials have reportedly approached Alex Pereira about stepping in on short notice. According to Italian MMA journalist Al Zullino and later confirmed by MMAmania.com, the UFC has considered matching Pereira against Magomed Ankalaev. This fight would feature Pereira’s elite striking and kickboxing skills against Ankalaev’s versatile grappling and striking abilities.
For UFC fans, Pereira vs. Ankalaev would bring explosive energy to close out the year. Adding Alex Pereira to the UFC 310 main event lineup would not only boost the card’s star power but also highlight the best of the light heavyweight division. This potential matchup promises a thrilling close to the 2024 UFC calendar, showcasing two elite athletes in a must-watch showdown.
