Laura Sanko is ready to see Alex Pereira make even more history.
Pereira (13-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) regained the light heavyweight title he lost earlier this year when he knocked out Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 last Saturday. The win was the Brazilian’s sixth title-fight victory in the UFC, and with world championships in two weight classes in both MMA and kickboxing, “Poatan” has already cemented his legacy as one of the most decorated fighters of all time.
With Jiří Procházka and Carlos Ulberg chasing the next shot at Pereira’s 205-pound title, UFC color commentator Laura Sanko revealed that she would prefer to see the champion test the waters in the heavyweight division.
"For Alex, he's already doing such extraordinary things, I feel like we as fans want to see how far he can push the envelope," Sanko told MMA Junkie. "How extraordinary can he be? Yes, I would like to see him at some point, I don't know if it's next because I would love to see that Carlos fight, but at some (point) I've got to see him at heavyweight. How incredible would that be to be his story, to go win a fight, or even a title at heavyweight? That would be insane.
"But in the same breath I also appreciate guys like (Alexandre) Pantoja and Merab (Dvalishvili), who are just going to absolutely clean out, and clean out again, their respective divisions."
Procházka also made headlines at UFC 320, knocking out Khalil Rountree Jr. in spectacular fashion to throw his name back into the mix for the next shot at Pereira’s belt. However, given that the Czech powerhouse has already lost to Pereira twice, Sanko believes Carlos Ulberg might sneak ahead of the former light heavyweight champion if Pereira chooses to remain at 205 pounds and defend his title.
"I would love to see him fight Carlos, and if he gets win over Carlos, I've got to see him at heavyweight at some point," Sanko said. "I saw some people arguing that Jiri jumped the line with his knockout. I don't think so just because we've already seen that fight, as amazing as Jiri's phoenix rising from the ashes was. But I want to see the Carlos fight first."
