UFC St. Louis delivered an absolute banger of an event. We witnessed nail-biting fights and even some hard-hitting knockouts. From Derrick Lewis‘s absolute masterclass to Joaquin Buckley’s random Conor McGregor callout, without a doubt, it was one hell of an event. Regardless, the dominant fights changed the flow of the UFC rankings, as many fighters moved up in their divisions. However, there’s a twist as well.

The ͏kin͏g of knocko͏uts, Derrick Lewis, ͏is back in the title range. Meanwhile, Al͏ex ͏Pereira is on ͏high ͏al͏ert as Israel A͏d͏esanya’s teamm͏͏ate a͏nd frien͏d͏ rises in t͏he rank͏in͏gs in͏ the light heavyweight division͏. Let’s take ͏a closer look at the changes that occurred after the Missou͏ri event.

Substantial changes in the UFC rankings for Derrick Lewis and a threat to Alex Pereira

Derrick Lewis showcased a masterc͏l͏ass agains͏t Ro͏drigo ͏Nascimento at UFC St. Louis. His third-round knockout victory, cou͏p͏led with a nonchalant victory celebratio͏n, has propelle͏d him back into the top 10 heavyweight fig͏hter ranki͏ngs in the UFC. “T͏he Black Beast” currently hol͏ds the ͏#͏10͏ spot͏, cl͏imbin͏g two͏ posi͏tions. Meanwhile, Nas͏c͏imen͏to͏ r͏emains at #15, failing to adva͏͏nce.

Interestingly, the story of Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya has another chapter added to it. ‘Stylebender’s friend and teammate Carlos Ulberg debuted in the UFC’s light heavyweight rankings after his dominant 12-second victory against Alonzo Menifield. Ulberg boasts a record of 11 victories and 1 defeat in his pro career and is one of the prospects for the UFC gold. The inclusion of Ulberg has put Alex Pereira on red alert as the fighter might be looking at revenge against the light heavyweight champion.

Additionally, Joaquin Buckley’s amazing performance seems to have no effect on his rankings as the welterweight fighter remained at the same level as he was before the clash. It must be noted that he defeated Nursulton Ruziboev who was fairly new to UFC and has not been ranked yet. Nonetheless, Alex Pereira might have a new challenge ahead of him as Adesanya’s friend is in the game now. Nonetheless, when does Adesanya make a return to the Octagon?

The rivalry between Pereira and Adesanya

The rivalry of Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya is something that might have been written in the stars. Both the fighters are 1-1 against each other and their story is just starting. Adesanya lost his battle for the middleweight title to Sean Strickland and took a break from fighting while on the other hand, Pereira took a different route and became the light heavyweight champion. After winning the bout against Jiri Prochazka, Pereira called out Adesanya to return to the Octagon.’ Stylebender’ was silent at that time. However, seems like the former middleweight champion is all ready to make his return.

According to rumors, Adesanya’s return may be scheduled for UFC’s return to Australia. The former middleweight champion might be facing the current champion Dricus Du Plessis to reclaim the middleweight title. UFC 305 could be Adesanya’s return to the octagon. There’s a catch to it as well. If Adesanya wins his title back then there’s a high probability that he might face Alex Pereira soon after that.

It seems Alex Pereira is eyeing a showdown with Jiri Prochazka for his next title defense, and there’s even talk of him stepping into the heavyweight division. However, Adesanya’s potential return could throw a wrench into those plans for the time being. What’s your take on their rivalry? State your thoughts in the comments below.