The month started with shocking news for fight fans, as the highly anticipated welterweight title bout between UFC champion Belal Muhammad and rising star Shavkat Rakhmonov at UFC 310 has been canceled. Reports surfaced that Muhammad underwent surgery for a recent bone infection, which could require up to six weeks of recovery post-surgery.

Amid the chaos, rumors began swirling that UFC superstar Alex Pereira might step in to face Magomed Ankalaev, potentially saving Dana White’s card. Although Pereira has yet to confirm, Ankalaev recently gave his green light for the rumored fight. In an X post, he said, “I spoke to my manager; if the UFC needs me for December 7, I’m all in. Let’s go.”

A light heavyweight title fight has long been a dream for Ankalaev, who has been vocal about his ambition to secure it this year. This goal became even more pressing after Dana White and the UFC set up the remarkable UFC 307 main card in July, featuring Alex Pereira facing the #8-ranked contender Khalil Rountree Jr. in October. Pereira knocked out Rountree Jr. while defending his light heavyweight position—a matchup that caught Ankalaev’s attention.

Now, determined not to let this opportunity slip away, Ankalaev has reaffirmed his commitment. Tagging UFC matchmaker Mick Maynard in a tweet, he wrote, “Send me the contract. I’m ready. Let’s do this.” However, the fight’s scheduling remains uncertain, as Pereira announced after UFC 307 that he would be taking some time off following three fights this year, though he left the door open with some ambiguity.

Is Alex Pereira Ready for a Fourth Fight This Year?

UFC light heavyweight Alex Pereira has been a rising star since his debut in 2021, quickly establishing himself as a force to be reckoned with in the promotion. In a short span, Pereira has captured titles in two divisions and defended his belts three times in less than three months this year. His title defenses began at UFC 300 against Jamahal Hill, followed by a rematch against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303 after Conor McGregor’s fight card fell through. Most recently, at UFC 307, he defeated Khalil Rountree Jr., knocking him out and solidifying his dominance.

At 37, Pereira has reached the peak of his career, fighting on average every 106 days over the past three years. However, the toll of frequent fights and multiple injuries prompted him to say after the conclusion of UFC 307, “I want to rest a little.” Although aware of the risks of another fight this year, Pereira hasn’t ruled out a return in December, which aligns with the UFC 310 schedule. As he stated, “I think December would be a good date for me.”

Now, all eyes are on Alex Pereira and his team to see how they will respond to Magomed Ankalaev‘s situation, especially since Ankalaev has already labeled Pereira as being afraid of him. It will be fascinating to see if Pereira decides to take on the challenge. What are your thoughts on this? Drop your opinion below.