What’s next for Alex Pereira? That’s been the burning question ever since ‘Poatan’ claimed the light heavyweight throne by brutally knocking out Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320. Several options are already on the table for him, including a potential move to heavyweight. However, it seems the two-time light heavyweight champion might be gearing up for a relatively quick turnaround in early 2026 to face another fierce contender. 

At UFC Fight Night Perth, Carlos Ulberg made a huge statement by knocking out former title challenger Dominick Reyes in the very first round. With that dominant win, the Kiwi has positioned himself as an exciting new contender for Alex Pereira’s light heavyweight throne. But, as ‘Poatan’ teases a move to heavyweight and even calls out Jon Jones, the No.3-ranked light heavyweight believes that could jeopardize Pereira’s recently regained title. Why? Ulberg revealed that the UFC might match him up against Jiri Prochazka for the vacant title next year. 

Carlos Ulberg eyes Jiri Prochazka title fight if Alex Pereira bout falls through 

‘Black Jag,’ in an interview with Ariel Helwani on his YouTube show — a clip later posted on X by Jed I. Goodman — said, “Carlos Ulberg would like to return early next year.” That pretty much gives us a hint that the UFC has been looking forward to a grand start to the Paramount+ CBS era next year with a massive fight. And while Ulberg might become one part of it, the Kiwi 205er believes Prochazka might answer the call if Pereira moves up to the 265 lbs division.

On the Ariel Helwani show, Ulberg revealed, “I think that’s the goal. I think they can put me up against Jiri for the vacant title, or I fight Pereira for the title. So either way, there are the two options that we have there.” After that, Helwani quickly asked him, “What do you think actually happens?” To get an idea of where the UFC might go with Pereira right now. But the Kiwi didn’t specify the details. 

However, he made one thing clear. The 34-year-old firmly believes the next light heavyweight title fight will have his name on it, no matter who the opponent is. Ulberg added, “Honestly, I do not know… I don’t even think the guys on that side know as well. So I can’t give you the answer. But who knows? No one has said anything to us. But I feel like, whatever happens, it’s on the right path for me to take it.” 

So, it seems that ‘Poatan’ needs to stay alert and be ready for a quick turnaround next year if he wants to keep his light heavyweight belt. Still, there’s another possibility that could come into play once again. The trilogy between Pereira and Prochazka. Although it’s certainly an exciting option, Ulberg believes it doesn’t really make sense for the promotion to book that fight right now.

Carloa Ulberg doesn’t like the idea of ‘Poatan’ vs. Prochazka 3  

At UFC 320, Jiri Prochazka once again proved that, besides Alex Pereira, no one seems capable of stopping him. As expected, he stole the spotlight by brutally knocking out Khalil Rountree Jr. in the third round in a dramatic turn of events. Still, fans aren’t particularly excited about seeing him face ‘Poatan’ for the third time. And Carlos Ulberg agrees.

Continuing his interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, he said, “I don’t think so, there’s a chance there. I don’t feel it. Not just because he has two big losses against Pereira. There’s not any reason for him to take that shot against Pereira or for Pereira to give him that third shot.”

Ulberg definitely has a point here. Sure, ‘BJP’ may have improved enough to earn another shot at Pereira, but his two knockout losses have severely hurt his chances. There was some controversy surrounding the UFC 295 stoppage — with referee Marc Goddard accused of ending the fight too early. But Jiri later clarified that it wasn’t the case. Regardless, ‘Poatan’ settled all debates at UFC 303 by finishing him with a devastating head kick.

Given the current landscape, Ulberg, riding a nine-fight winning streak, presents a fresher and more exciting challenge for Pereira — one that would also have strong fan appeal. That said, do you think the UFC will actually let the 205 lbs champ move up to heavyweight, or will they match him against the rising Kiwi star instead? Let us know in the comments section below.