Who got next? Alex Perez’ options for next opponent
Alex Perez made a major statement in the main event of UFC Vegas 91. His knockout of Matheus Nicolau was a long time coming but it was a statement win. Ever embattled, Perez has now fought twice in just under two months. What’s next for the American slugger? Let’s see!
Maximum violence: Alex Perez vs. Brandon Royval
If I’m being honest, I want to see Alex Perez in the most violent fights possible. The most violent fight available is Brandon Royval. If Perez wants a rematch with champ Alexandre Pantoja, he will need another big fight and big win. What’s a better way to do that than to go to war with the number one contender?
Many of these picks have to do with Pantoja’s massive carnage he’s left behind him in beating up the whole division before getting the title. Royval has lost to Pantoja twice. Perez once. If Perez beats Royval, the path is clear for him to make another bid at the title.
Amir Albazi: Both need a big win
Amir Albazi is the least violent fight on this list. But it is the most legitimate. Amir Albazi is coming off of a big split decision win over Kai Kara-France and was booked to fight Brandon Moreno in February. He injured his neck and was forced out of that fight. Albazi needs one more win to make his claim at the title as the only one, aside from Erceg, to not have fought Pantoja.
With Alex Perez beating fifth ranked Nicolau, a fight between he and Albazi would provide that big win for both of them. This one is a classic title eliminator and would be a great test to see if Albazi is truly ready for the top of the flyweight division and if Perez can continue his making it to fights instead of disaster striking each fight.
The other violent option: Kai Kara-France
Ranked ahead of Perez, Kai Kara-France is my third pick. Kara-France has dropped two straight to Brandon Moreno, an interim title shot, and that tepid split decision to Albazi. He’s of the most violent fighters in the flyweight division and has a good track record behind him.
Fighting Alex Perez would be a good, ole barn burner and one to excite the fans. Kai Kara-France is moderately popular with the fans and Alex Perez, after a knockout like that, will only be more popular. Putting him and Kara-France in the cage together just makes sense.
