Pereira's Future: UFC 313 Aftermath And Career Plans

Chloe Fitzgerald

4 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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Analyzing Pereira's UFC 313 Performance

Tactical Errors and Strengths

Pereira's UFC 313 performance was a mixed bag, showcasing both his incredible power and some tactical vulnerabilities. While his explosive knockout power remains a significant asset, his strategy against Adesanya appeared flawed.

• Round 1: Pereira started aggressively, landing some significant strikes, but Adesanya effectively used movement and distance management to avoid significant damage.
• Round 2-4: Adesanya increasingly controlled the center of the octagon, utilizing his superior reach and footwork to land consistent jabs and kicks. Pereira's attempts to close the distance were less effective than in previous fights.
• Striking Effectiveness: While Pereira landed some powerful shots, his overall striking accuracy was lower than usual. Adesanya's improved defensive skills neutralized much of Pereira's usual offensive threat.
• Grappling Defense: Pereira's grappling defense held up, but he wasn't able to utilize his takedown defense to create offensive opportunities.

The fight highlighted that relying solely on power against a more well-rounded and adaptable opponent like Adesanya can be risky.

The Impact of Adesanya's Improvement

Adesanya's victory wasn't solely due to Pereira's weaknesses; it was also a testament to Adesanya's strategic evolution.

• Improved Distance Management: Adesanya expertly controlled the range, negating Pereira's power.
• Increased Striking Variety: Adesanya mixed up his strikes effectively, preventing Pereira from anticipating his attacks.
• Better Counter-Striking: Adesanya landed several crucial counter-strikes, exploiting Pereira's aggressive tendencies.

Adesanya's improvements highlighted the need for Pereira to adapt his strategy, showcasing the ever-evolving nature of high-level MMA competition.

Immediate Future Options for Pereira

Immediate Rematch Clause

An immediate rematch with Adesanya is a strong possibility, driven by the high stakes and intense fan interest.

• Benefits: A rematch provides Pereira with a chance to redeem himself and prove his capabilities. For Adesanya, it solidifies his dominance.
• Drawbacks: Another loss could significantly damage Pereira's standing, whereas another win for Adesanya might lead to stagnation in the division.

Other Potential Opponents

Should a rematch not materialize, several intriguing opponents await Pereira within the middleweight division.

• Robert Whittaker: A rematch against Whittaker would be a highly competitive fight with significant title implications.
• Jared Cannonier: Cannonier's power punching style would create a compelling contrast to Pereira's.
• Dricus du Plessis: A fight against du Plessis would offer a different challenge, showcasing Pereira's ability to adapt to various fighting styles.

Long-Term Career Trajectory for Pereira

Staying at Middleweight

Remaining at middleweight offers Pereira the chance to reclaim the title, but it also means facing some of the toughest fighters in the division repeatedly.

• Advantages: He has proven success at this weight class, and the road to the title is clear.
• Disadvantages: The division is fiercely competitive, and several formidable opponents await.

Exploring a Move to Light Heavyweight

Moving up to light heavyweight could provide Pereira with a size advantage and potentially a less crowded path to contention.

• Advantages: The light heavyweight division may offer less competition and allow Pereira to better utilize his strength and power.
• Disadvantages: Adjusting to the increased weight and power of light heavyweight fighters would be a significant challenge. Finding a suitable and compelling first fight would also be important.

Legacy and Future Impact

Regardless of his future decisions, Pereira's legacy in the UFC is already notable. His knockout power and captivating fighting style have thrilled fans.

• Memorable Fights: His fights against Adesanya will be remembered for years to come, shaping narratives and highlighting the competitive landscape.
• Knockout Power: His devastating knockout power has cemented his place as one of the most dangerous strikers in the UFC.

His future actions will merely add another chapter to this already compelling story.

Conclusion

Alex Pereira's future in the UFC is far from certain after his loss at UFC 313. While an immediate rematch with Adesanya is a possibility, other compelling options exist. Whether he chooses to remain at middleweight or make a move to light heavyweight, Pereira's power and skill will continue to make him a major force in the UFC. His legacy is already cemented, but his future remains exciting and full of possibilities. What happens next for Pereira is sure to generate major buzz and excitement within the MMA community. Keep an eye out for updates on Pereira’s UFC future, and continue following the evolving story of this remarkable fighter.