SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - OCTOBER 05: Alex Pereira of Brazil warms up prior to his fight during the UFC ... [+] 307 event at Delta Center on October 05, 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Mike Roach/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCReigning UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has been one of the hottest topics of conversation in mixed martial arts. After an amazing 2024, Pereiras star has grown, and his next fight is of major interest to most in the MMA community.A rumored move to heavyweight to face Alexander Volkov is being refuted by longtime combat sports journalist Ariel Helwani.According to sources referenced by Helwani, Pereira isnt planning a move to heavyweight anytime soon. Those sources say the plan is for Pereira to fight Magomed Ankalaev, the No. 1 contender in the UFCs light heavyweight division.LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 07: Alexander Volkov of Russia exits the Octagon after his heavyweight ... [+] bout during the UFC 310 event at T-Mobile Arena on December 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCMORE FOR YOUThe original report related to Volkov suggested he would get the first crack at Pereira in the heavyweight division because many feel he was robbed in his last fight with Ciryl Gane at UFC 310.Perhaps Volkov will be repaid at another time in another situation.Helwani is among the most reliable people in our space, so most are inclined to trust his reports. Because of the confidence in Helwanis reporting, rather than questioning whether Pereira will face Ankalaev, well instead ask how it can happen considering the circumstances.Pereira has said he plans to return in March, which suggests March 8 at UFC 313 in the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. However, if that is the date, Ankalaev will be wildly inconvenienced during his training.ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - OCTOBER 26: Magomed Ankalaev of Russia reacts after a victory ... [+] against Aleksandar Rakic of Austria in a light heavyweight fight during the UFC 308 event at Etihad Arena on October 26, 2024 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)Zuffa LLCAnkalaev is Muslim, and if the fight is on March 8, his training camp will run through Ramadan. This means he will be fasting and could be physically compromised as he prepares for the biggest fight of his career.While that is the case, it is possible Ankalaev has been given an ultimatum by Pereira and/or the UFC to fight in March. If he does not take the fight in March, Pereira could elect to face someone else, which would push Ankalaevs title shot later in the year.The 32-year-old last fought in October when he won a unanimous decision over Aleksandr Rakic. Theres no question he is the most deserving challenger for Pereiras title, but whether hell be ready to perform at the top of his capabilities remains to be seen.Id expect more concrete information on Pereiras situation in the next week or two, perhaps as early as next Saturday ahead of or during UFC 311.Whats Next For the UFC?LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 10: Mackenzie Dern poses on the scale during the UFC Fight Night ... [+] weigh-in at the Palace Station Hotel & Casino on January 10, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)Zuffa LLC via Getty ImagesThe UFC is back on Saturday with UFC Vegas 101. Two fighters missed weight but every fight on the card is still happening. Mackenzie Dern and Amanda Ribas will run it back in the main event, a rematch of their 2019 clash that the latter won via unanimous decision.Here is a look at the card and the weigh-in results.Mackenzie Dern (116) vs. Amanda Ribas (116)Santiago Ponzinibbio (171) vs. Carlston Harris (170)Abdul Razak Alhassan (185.5) vs. Cesar Almeida (185.5)Chris Curtis (185.5) vs. Roman Kopylov (185.5)Christian Rodriguez (145) vs. Austin Bashi (145.5)Uros Medic (171) vs. Punahele Soriano (171)Jose Johnson (128.5)* vs. Felipe Bunes (126)Marco Tulio (185.5) vs. Ihor Potieria (188)*Thiago Moises (155.5) vs. Trey Ogden (155.5)Preston Parsons (171) vs. Jacobe Smith (170.5)Ernesta Kareckaite (126) vs. Nicolle Caliari (125.5)Magomed Gadzhiyasulov (205) vs. Bruno Lopes (205.5)Fatima Kline (116) vs. Viktoriia Dudakova (116)Nurullo Aliev (155.5) vs. Joe Solecki (155)*Missed weight