Alex Pereira, already a Glory Hall of Famer, has built a UFC Hall of Fame resume. For context, the Brazilian has fought in title fights in the UFC more than normal and has only fought a handful of times in the promotion. After his recent victory over Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303, fight fans have been pestering Dana White to make the fight between Pereira and Jon Jones, the heavyweight champion, happen. The 37-year-old has now agreed to the idea as well.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, ‘Poatan’ answered several questions regarding his future as a light heavyweight, middleweight, or heavyweight, as well as his future opponent. As for his plans at heavyweight, Alex Pereira said, “If I go to heavyweight, I would dispute the belt. Like I said, I’m 37, so I have to go directly to the top. Directly to the belt. Whether it’s Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall, or whoever, it doesn’t matter to me. I’m just visualizing the belt.”
Jon Jones had earlier expressed interest in fighting Pereira. However, he had put the condition that the Brazilian would first have to defeat Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion. Pereira’s recent statement makes it look like the light heavyweight champion does not have plans to do it.
Jones has already become a betting favorite in a potential matchup against Pereira. If victorious against Stipe Miocic, ‘Bones’ will likely target the Brazilian rather than the British heavyweight.
Pereira Is Ready for Any Light Heavyweight Contenders
With victories over Jiri Prochazka, Jamahal Hill, and Jan Blachowicz, Alex Pereira is 4-0 against the top 5 light heavyweights. The Brazilian fighter has only Magomed Ankalaev and Aleksandar Rakic left in the top 5 to fight. Having fought only a few weeks back, Poatan revealed his plans at light heavyweight in his recent interview.
“Light heavyweight is my category where I’m feeling good. It was a good weight cut, and I value that. It makes a big difference in my performance when I fight. I’m feeling good; it’s where I want to stay. My focus is to defend my belt, and it doesn’t matter who the opponent is,” Pereira said.
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“A lot of people mention [Magomed] Ankalaev, and that’s who they are talking about now. People are focused on him. But I’m training well, not just for him, but for anyone. It’s a good fight for me to take. I’ll be well-prepared for him or anyone,” Pereira added, revealing a return in November or December.
Also Read: Gordon Ryan Debunks ‘Stupid Stats’ Claiming Alex Pereira is Superior to Jon Jones
