Alex Pereira’s combat sports return could come away from the Octagon.
The UFC light heavyweight champion is yet to have his next fight on MMA’s biggest stage confirmed, as he continues to push for a heavyweight debut.
Pereira knocked out Magomed Ankalaev last October to exact immediate revenge on the Dagestani for the result that briefly removed ‘Poatan’ from the 205-pound throne earlier in the year.
In 2026, the Brazilian star is eyeing a super-fight with Jon Jones at heavyweight or a historic chance to win a third title in the division.
But while he awaits news of that from the promotion, he is reportedly exploring an opportunity elsewhere for his first outing of this year…
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‘Negotiations ongoing’ for Alex Pereira vs Shara Magomedov grappling match
According to a recent interview, talks are underway for Pereira to potentially face UFC middleweight Shara Magomedov in a grappling match.
The Russian’s manager, Rizvan Magomedov, addressed that possibility while speaking to SPORT24.
After the interviewer referenced quotes from ‘Bullet’ himself that first revealed the talks, his manager confirmed that negotiations are “ongoing.”
“I think Shara is quietly transitioning from a striker to a wrestler,” Magomedov said in Russian (h/t Red Corner MMA).
“Regarding his fight (against Pereira), we’re waiting for a date. Ideally an event in the Middle East or somewhere else.
“He’s filling his free time with these kinds of matches,” he added. “It will be interesting to watch the fight. It’s essentially two strikers, two specialized strikers, who will be fighting.
“The negotiations are ongoing.”
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Shara Magomedov fought to a draw against Arman Tsarukyan
If the rumored match does come to fruition, ‘Poatan’ will be looking to do what Arman Tsarukyan could not.
After going 4-0 in grappling matches last year, Tsarukyan failed to beat Magomedov in his final outing of 2025. The Armenian couldn’t find the submission, and so his bout with ‘Bullet’ was ruled a draw.
The UFC lightweight contender had previously beaten Benson Henderson, Patricky Pitbull, Â Mehdi Baydulaev, and Makkasharip Zaynukov in 2025.
Many UFC fighters are getting active away from the Octagon, competing in promotions like Real American Freestyle and Hype FC while they await their next MMA assignments.