“Poatan” might be gearing up again.
It’s been four months since Alex Pereira reclaimed his UFC Light Heavyweight title by stopping Magomed Ankalaev in their rematch at UFC 320 (watch highlights). Since that win in Las Vegas, however, things have been unusually quiet regarding his next move.
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Immediately after reclaiming gold, Pereira called for a superfight with former two-division champion Jon Jones, even publicly campaigning for a showdown at the historic UFC White House card later this year. That momentum cooled in December when Pereira suggested he wouldn’t be competing in Washington after all.
Now, a new development.
On Thursday (Feb. 12, 2026), Pereira posted a cryptic message on Instagram:
“1-2-3 and go.”
That’s it. No context. No opponent. No weight class.
So what does it mean?
Is it simply a countdown signaling his return — or is “1-2-3” a hint at chasing a third UFC title in a third weight class?
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If Pereira stays at Light Heavyweight, there’s a clear contender waiting in Carlos Ulberg. A trilogy bout with Jiri Prochazka also remains a blockbuster option.
But if he moves up to Heavyweight, things get even more interesting.
With Tom Aspinall sidelined indefinitely with another eye surgery and the division in flux, Pereira could slide directly into a title opportunity. A matchup with Ciryl Gane — possibly even for interim gold — isn’t outside the realm of possibility, especially given the UFC’s recent willingness to book high-profile fights regardless of divisional logic.
Is it fair? Probably not.
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Is it realistic? Absolutely.
Of course, there is a matchup with Jones, too.
Whether Pereira is hinting at a simple return or something far more ambitious, one thing is certain: “Poatan” rarely moves without purpose.
And right now, the chess pieces are shifting.
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