A former kickboxing world champion appears interested in a move to MMA and a future in the UFC, and he has plenty of support for that potential ambition.
Not many have enjoyed a success story even close to that of Alex Pereira when it comes to transitioning from kickboxing to the cage.
Pereira’s UFC 295 title win against Jiri Prochazka in late 2023 completed a two-year ascent from Octagon debut to multi-weight champion — replicating the feat he had achieved in the ring under the Glory Kickboxing banner.
Now, another prominent name from the striking-only sport has teased his arrival in the MMA realm.
Former ONE champion Alexis Nicolas includes UFC on list of possible career moves
Alexis Nicolas was responsible for one of 2024’s greatest upsets, as the French star defeated the previously unstoppable Regian Eersel at ONE Fight Night 21 to become ONE Championship’s lightweight kickboxing champion.
Eersel recaptured the crown in their epic rematch before emerging victorious from their trilogy fight this past April. Having not competed since, Nicolas was among those recently released by ONE.
The former ISKA champion has now entered free agency and is on the lookout for his next career move. And when it comes to his options, Nicolas is open to broadening his résumé beyond the ring.
In a recent post on social media, ‘Barboza’ teased an MMA move by listing the UFC, PFL, ARES, and Hexagone among the list of possible promotions he could compete in down the line.
“What’s next?” Nicolas wrote in the caption.
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Fans choose their preference for Alexis Nicolas as potential UFC future draws interest
Nicolas had already sparked talk of a mixed martial arts move after posting images on social media showing him training alongside elite BJJ practitioners Kade and Tye Ruotolo. The twins have both debuted in MMA themselves after immense success in the grappling realm.
Many fans responded to Nicolas’ post with excitement about seeing the Frenchman in MMA. Most advised ‘Barboza’ to sign with a smaller promotion to gain experience before joining the UFC.
“Beat a couple lower level guys in KSW to get a feel for MMA and then go to the UFC.”
“Ares 1 year and a half and after, the UFC.”
“Ares > PFL > UFC.”
“Save up the money and you improve in MMA steadily, and then in the UFC, you take it all.”
“I would have really liked to see you debut at KSW.”
“Ares or KSW or Hexagone then UFC if it goes well.”
“Alexis Nicolas who knocks out 2-3 guys at Ares or PFL and heads straight to the UFC.”
Others, though, pushed back on Nicolas’ MMA tease and instead urged him to stay in the kickboxing realm.
“GLORY!”
“Don’t go to MMA, you’re gonna f— up the end of your career like Youssef Boughanem, please go to Glory.”
“Glory every day to fine-tune your striking and have time to prepare your fight for a potential career in MMA later.”
“I’m looking forward to seeing you fighting in Glory. Please prove your level against the best kickboxers.”
And one fan made a left-field suggestion…
“One-fight deal at Misfits to fight Dillon Danis at 170lbs. After that, move to Glory. There you go.”