The reigning, defending UFC light heavyweight champion has a tall task in front of him at UFC 313, fighting the #1 contender Magomed Ankalaev in March. A fourth-straight title defense would bring Pereira's stardom to new levels, with people talking about a heavyweight move for "Poatan" - not limited to the gates of the UFC Octagon.

Xtreme Couture head coach Eric Nicksick revealed that Strickland’s former opponent, UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, will corner him for his title fight. Pereira knocked out Strickland in the first round at UFC 276, but the pair have since linked up and trained together.

Things are heating up between UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira and his opponent in the main event of UFC 313, Magomed Ankalaev.