As UFC 313 approaches, one of the most talked-about fighters is former middleweight champion Alex Pereira. After his stunning knockout victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 281, Pereira became a household name, but his journey to becoming a UFC legend may face a significant obstacle in the upcoming event.

Concerns for Alex Pereira Ahead of UFC 313

The Brazilian powerhouse has quickly made a name for himself in the UFC’s middleweight division, but as he prepares for UFC 313, there are mounting concerns regarding his ability to continue his rise through the ranks. Pereira’s most notable strength is his elite striking ability, especially his knockout power, but recent rumors surrounding his fight camp and the level of his overall skill development have raised eyebrows.

One of the key concerns is Pereira’s ability to defend against well-rounded opponents who can challenge him in multiple areas, especially on the ground. While he has shown resilience in his striking exchanges, he’s yet to prove himself as an all-around fighter who can handle pressure in the clinch, wrestling, and submission scenarios—elements that could potentially expose his weaknesses against top-tier fighters.

Moreover, Pereira’s previous losses in kickboxing to Adesanya have raised questions about his ability to handle pressure in high-stakes situations. Though he has bounced back to capture the middleweight title, his past struggles in rematches and his ability to keep improving are now more important than ever as he prepares for UFC 313.

The rising concerns surrounding Pereira come from both analysts and fans, with many wondering if he can remain dominant as the competition becomes even tougher at the top of the division.

Justin Gaethje Calls Out Islam Makhachev

Meanwhile, lightweight contender Justin Gaethje has made waves with his bold call-out of current lightweight champion Islam Makhachev. After a dominant win at UFC 292, Gaethje wasted no time throwing his name into the conversation for a title shot, and now, he is calling out Makhachev directly.

Gaethje, known for his relentless striking and thrilling fight style, believes he has what it takes to beat Makhachev, who has been dominant with his grappling-heavy approach. The call-out comes as no surprise, as Gaethje has always been outspoken and confident in his abilities, and with his impressive knockout power, he feels he can dismantle Makhachev’s wrestling game.

The matchup would be a classic striker-versus-grappler battle, and it has generated immediate excitement among fans. Makhachev’s ability to control his opponents on the ground has been a dominant force, but Gaethje’s ability to stop takedowns and capitalize on striking exchanges could pose a serious threat to Makhachev’s strategy.

Makhachev has yet to respond to Gaethje’s challenge, but it’s clear that Gaethje is positioning himself as a top contender in the lightweight division, and he’s ready to take on anyone, including Makhachev, in his pursuit of the UFC lightweight title.

Conor McGregor: Is He Coming Back?

In addition to these storylines, the UFC world has also been buzzing about the potential return of former two-division champion Conor McGregor. McGregor, who has been away from the octagon for over two years due to injury and legal issues, has hinted at his return, and fans are eager to know when and against whom he will fight next.

McGregor has been active on social media, teasing his comeback and sharing updates on his training. Despite his controversial history and recent struggles in the octagon, McGregor remains one of the biggest draws in UFC history, and his return would undoubtedly shake up the landscape of the sport.

Many have speculated that McGregor’s return could come against a fellow top contender, with names like Michael Chandler and Charles Oliveira being mentioned as potential opponents. However, there is also the possibility that McGregor could return to a title fight, depending on how things unfold in the lightweight and welterweight divisions.

While McGregor’s time away from the octagon has left some questions about his form and mental state, the allure of his return continues to grow, and fans are eager to see how he performs when he steps back into the cage.

What’s Next for the UFC’s Big Names?

As UFC 313 approaches, all eyes are on these key fighters—Alex Pereira, Justin Gaethje, and Conor McGregor—and their respective futures in the sport. Pereira will look to prove that he can handle the pressure and maintain his spot at the top, while Gaethje’s call-out of Makhachev has fans buzzing with anticipation for what could be an explosive showdown.

And, of course, McGregor’s potential return could change the landscape of the UFC entirely. Whether he’s fighting for a title or taking on a rising contender, his presence will always be felt.

As the UFC continues to evolve and showcase incredible talent, these storylines are only the beginning of what promises to be an exciting year for fight fans around the world.