Alex Pereira expects the UFC to be on board with the idea of booking a massive boxing match against lineal heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk in the near future.
“Poatan”, who is currently slated to defend his UFC light heavyweight belt against Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 313 on March 8, said during a recent interview with that he’s open to the idea, especially after hearing Usyk say he would like a “show fight” against the Brazilian.
“I’ve said that before, that I would really like to do a boxing match,” Pereira said in Portuguese with Mark Bouris in Sydney. “And was asked against who. Since I’m the champion, I said it would have to be against a champion, and he’s the champion. And now he’s given an interview and mentioned my name.
“That’s something I want, and he also wants it, and both organizations, boxing and the UFC, are working kind of together now, so I believe this fight can happen.”
Pereira had a meteoric rise in the UFC, capturing two belts with a total of seven knockout victories in nine octagon appearances. “Poatan” defends his UFC title next after a trio of finishes over Khalil Rountree, Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill in 2024.
Usyk, who is 23-0 as a boxer with 14 knockouts, made history in 2024 with back-to-back wins over boxing great Tyson Fury. The 38-year-old boxer has also beaten the likes of Daniel Dubois, Anthony Joshua and Derek Chisora throughout his legendary career.
