‘Poatan’ has one big goal left to conquer in MMA and he tends to achieve what he sets his sights on.
What Alex Pereira has been able to accomplish since signing with the UFC was simply unthinkable when he made his Octagon debut in 2021.
Coming from an incredible kickboxing career, it seemed hard to imagine how he would be able to develop quick enough to become a UFC mainstay let alone a dominant champion.
Pereira currently reigns at the light heavyweight champion, having previously held the middleweight belt, but his goals do not end there.
‘Poatan’ may currently be focused on his next title defense against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 next month but he’s also not losing sight of a huge opportunity that could be just around the corner for him.
- READ MORE: Tom Aspinall trains with the ‘World’s Strongest Man’ as he waits for Jon Jones fight news
Alex Pereira gives heavyweight update and picks Jon Jones to beat Tom Aspinall
At 37-years-old, Alex Pereira knew that he wouldn’t have a long time to make an impact in the UFC but his style and willingness to make quick turnarounds has made up for that.
Continuing to reign at 205-pounds is one thing but the Brazilian superstar also has his sights set on conquering one more division before he calls time on a simply unmatched combat sports career.
Pereira’s wish is clearly to move up to heavyweight to challenge the champion but his long awaited clash with Ankalaev in Las Vegas has postponed that for now.
During a recent interview with Mark Bouris, Pereira spoke through his coach and translator Plinio Cruz about where he’s currently at with his heavyweight plans.
“There is an interest, there is a potential, even Jon Jones expressed himself and we wanted to do this. We want, now it’s up to the UFC to make it happen.”
By the time that Pereira is able to move up to heavyweight, the division could be in a very different place.
We still don’t know whether interim champion Tom Aspinall will get the opportunity to try and unify the belts against Jon Jones with ‘Bones’ repeating that a fight with Pereira is more appealing to him.
When asked to give his thoughts on who comes out on top in that matchup, ‘Poatan’ said that he’s expecting Jones to remain the champion against an opponent that many expect to be a big threat to his near flawless record.
“I think Jon Jones wins.”
Alex Pereira may still have heavyweight on the table regardless of what happens at UFC 313
The only result that could derail Alex Pereira’s move to heavyweight is if he gets dominated by Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 which could kill off some of the hype.
Even if Pereira loses the title but his stock doesn’t drop massively, which it’s hard to imagine happening, he’s become such a fan favorite in recent years that there will still be a huge demand to see him at heavyweight.
Fights with either Jon Jones or Tom Aspinall would be massive and if there’s anyone on the roster who tends to make things happen through sheer will, it’s the current light heavyweight champion.
Not to mention what may happen if Pereira is able to beat Ankalaev on March 8 which would see him move to heavyweight to challenge for champ-champ status.