😂 Jiri Prochazka was genuinely happy for Alex Pereira when he regained his belt back. pic.twitter.com/uDF5h9L0fT

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) October 5, 2025

Looking Forward: Title Defense Mode

With the light heavyweight championship back around his waist, Pereira faces several intriguing potential opponents. Prochazka's knockout victory over Rountree puts him in prime position for a trilogy fight, while other contenders like rising contender Carlos Ulberg also represent compelling matchups.

The Brazilian has indicated he has no interest in a trilogy with Ankalaev, stating definitively that “there's no reason for it”. This suggests Pereira views his knockout victory as a definitive end to their rivalry, preferring to move forward with fresh challenges rather than revisiting old grudges.

Pereira's remarkable return to championship glory at UFC 320 serves as a testament to the importance of adaptation and mental resilience in mixed martial arts. His ability to learn from defeat, make necessary adjustments, and execute a perfect game plan when it mattered most demonstrates why he remains one of the sport's most compelling figures.

The 80-second knockout not only reclaimed his title but also reestablished his reputation as perhaps the most dangerous striker in the light heavyweight division. For a fighter who many thought might be past his prime after the Ankalaev defeat, Pereira's explosive return to form proves that in mixed martial arts, redemption can come in the most spectacular fashion imaginable.