UFC 327, scheduled for April 11th, may feature Alex Pereira as the main event, but not in the heavyweight division (up to 120,2kg). After defeating Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 and regaining the light heavyweight title (up to 93kg), the Brazilian made it clear that he wants to win a third title, this time in the UFC's heaviest weight class.
Although there is still no official confirmation regarding the division change, the ESPN app indicated that the Brazilian's belt will be on the line at UFC 327. However, the information does not mention the athletes involved in the fight.
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The doubt intensified after the confirmation of the fight between Joshua Van and Tatsuro Taira for the flyweight title (up to 56,7kg) as one of the main fights on the card. Since then, some fans have been questioning what the real main event will be. According to the app, the main fight will be for the light heavyweight title, which naturally puts Poatan's future in the spotlight.
Will Poatan be in action?
Poatan focused before fighting in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC
Although he still holds the 93kg belt, the trend suggests that Alex Pereira will not defend the title at UFC 327. Strong rumors indicate that the Brazilian will have his wish granted and face Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight belt.
If he remains in the light heavyweight division, the most likely scenario would be a duel against Carlos Ulberg , the current number one contender and training partner of Israel Adesanya . The confrontation would be unprecedented and would pit two rising stars in the division against each other.
Other possibilities include a trilogy fight against Jiri Prochazka or even resolving the rivalry with Khamzat Chimaev , the current middleweight champion (up to 83,9kg), who continues to publicly provoke the Brazilian.
The title race could take place without Poatan.
Joe Rogan believes in Khamzat Chimaev 's success in the UFC light heavyweight division. Photo: Press Release/X
If Alex Pereira's move up to heavyweight is made official, a coherent alternative for UFC 327 would be to pit Carlos Ulberg against Jiri Prochazka for the light heavyweight title.
The possibility gains strength after Dana White's statement at a press conference after UFC Houston. On that occasion, the Ultimate president stated that he wants to see Khamzat Chimaev make at least one title defense before seeking a second belt, which practically rules out the Chechen as an immediate option in the 93kg division.
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