UFC CEO Dana White said Alex Pereira already has a new opponent waiting: Jamahal Hill.
The decision came up quickly after Poatan defeated Jiri Prochazka on Saturday at UFC 295. The performance of the Brazilian in the light heavyweight impressed White, who said that a new fight deal for the new champ is already done.
“Jamahal Hill, when he’s ready, that’s the fight that makes sense,” White said.
Despite this, it is important to note that there’s still uncertainty revolving around the return of Hill. To recall, the American is coming from his January fight against Glover Teixeira, whom he defeated. In July, Hill was forced to give up the light heavyweight title due to a ruptured Achilles tendon. Hill was supposed to fight before the end of the year, but the injury prevented him from doing so, resulting in the Prochazka-Pereira bout.
White, nonetheless, shared that Hill is recovering without issues, pushing the idea of a possible fight between Hill and Pereira.
The news came after Anthony Smith expressed the belief that he could be the next opponent of Pereira. Given the growing conflict between him and Smith, the champ has a huge reason to push this. To recall, Smith expressed critical views over Pereira’s performance against Jan Blachowicz during UFC 291. Needless to say, Poatan didn’t take this lightly and called the American “washed up.” Since then, the two have been exchanging shots on social media. Last month, Pereira explained his side to The MMA Hour, claiming the issue started with Smith’s unfair judgment.
Yet, despite saying he’s ready to accept the challenge, Smith didn’t also deny that UFC would pick Hill over him, given the latter’s ranking.
“I definitely think there’s a chance, for sure,” Smith said. “…I’m ready to go… If Jamahal’s ready, it’s him. I couldn’t expect to jump the line on him.”
