Undisputed light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has recently hinted at the possibility of making a move to the heavyweight division. The Brazilian fighter, known for his knockout prowess, showcased his current walking-around weight at an impressive 230 pounds, sparking speculation about his future in the UFC.
Pereira, a former UFC middleweight champion and the current holder of the light heavyweight title, made waves in his most recent headline bout at UFC 295 in November. The event marked the promotion’s return to Madison Square Garden in New York, where Pereira secured a second-round TKO victory over Jiri Prochazka to claim the vacant light heavyweight crown.
Having become a two-division champion within just three years of joining the Octagon, Pereira is set to defend his light heavyweight title against former champion Jamahal Hill. However, rumors have circulated about a potential move to the heavyweight division, with talks of an interim title fight against Tom Aspinall at UFC 300 in April.
Amidst the anticipation for a showdown between Pereira and Aspinall, the Brazilian fighter shed light on his current weight since transitioning to light heavyweight in July of the previous year. He disclosed that he currently walks around at over 104 kilograms, equivalent to a staggering 230 pounds.
UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira to Heavyweight?
Responding to the excitement from fans about a potential clash with Aspinall, Pereira acknowledged the interest but emphasized the need for careful planning when considering a move to a new weight class. Speaking through a translator with The Mac Life, Pereira stated, “Well, [I] fought at middleweight and then [I] had to listen to [my] body to go up and fight at light heavyweight. [I’m] a fighter, bro, [I’m] willing to fight. [I’ll] fight anybody, anywhere.”
Despite acknowledging his size and suitability for the heavyweight division, Pereira stressed the importance of a well-thought-out plan. “But this kind of thing (a heavyweight move at UFC 300) – [I have] the height and [am] basically the size of a heavyweight. But this is the kind of thing that has to be programmed, put some work in, it’s not something to just jump in on an adventure like that,” he explained.
Pereira expressed his openness to the idea of fighting at heavyweight in the future but emphasized that such a move requires careful consideration and planning. “So, right now, [I’m] focused on [my] light heavyweight reign,” he concluded.
As the speculation around Alex Pereira’s potential leap to the heavyweight division continues, fans are eagerly awaiting updates on his next move in the UFC.
Where do you want to see Alex Pereira compete next? Should he test himself at heavyweight or remain in the division where he holds the crown? Let us know in the comments!
