Alex Pereira drops three options for UFC & boxing fights after Magomed Ankalaev

The pressure couldn't be any greater for Alex Pereira as he enters his fourth UFC light heavyweight title defense against Magomed Ankalaev Saturday night.

Can Pereira beat Ankalaev?

Although Pereira (12-2 MMA, 9-1 UFC) and Ankalaev (20-1 MMA, 11-1-1, 1 NC UFC) sit at even odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Friday morning, Pereira appears to have more to lose Saturday night at UFC 313 in Las Vegas, NV.

Alex Pereira before a light heavyweight title bout against Khalil Rountree Jr. during UFC 307 at Delta Center. | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

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While Pereira is set on snapping Ankalaev's 11-fight unbeaten streak, he wants to do his best to take his superstardom to the next level: a potential UFC vs. boxing fight with heavyweight titleholder Oleksandr Usyk (23-0, 14 KOs) later this year.

“I jumped for joy when I saw the announcement,” Pereira said about UFC CEO Dana White entering boxing via translation Wednesday. “Maybe September. Saudi Arabia."

Pereira added he isn't joking about the possibility. He's just waiting on the green light.

Alex Pereira reacts after defeating Khalil Rountree Jr. in a light heavyweight title bout during UFC 307 at Delta Center. | Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

“I was the first to show interest, and then Usyk showed interest," Pereira continued. "And now we have to see the interest of the organizations. I’ll be ready.”

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Even if fighting Usyk is off the table given White's comments Wednesday about separating both sports, Pereira remains intrigued about the possibility of the heavyweight division, particularly its champion Jon Jones.

Pereira vs. Usyk 'Possible'

Oleksandr Usyk after his win over Chazz Witherspoon box during a heavyweight boxing match at Wintrust Arena. | Jon Durr-Imagn Images

“I want to defend my belt, that’s my focus, but we definitely have options,” Pereira said. “A fight with Dricus [Du Plessis at 205 pounds] or Jon Jones at heavyweight, or boxing Usyk. These are things that are in my mind, and I think these three options are possible."

Ultimately, though, Pereira is a company man, recognizing the UFC's best intentions are the No. 1 priority for both parties involved.

“It doesn’t depend on me, I don’t have that control," Pereira said. "Whatever the UFC says I have to do, I’ll do.”

UFC 313 pre-fight press conference live stream for Alex Pereira vs. Magomed Ankalaev

If Pereira were to beat Ankalaev, it would extend his winning streak to six while handing Ankalaev his first loss since March 2018 against Paul Craig (17-9 MMA, 9-9-1 UFC).

For now, only time will tell.

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