Linked closely with a shocking heavyweight divisional transfer in pursuit of a record-setting third Octagon crown, Alex Pereira has revealed he might seemingly debut on the weight class as excessive as 238lbs – amid hyperlinks to a struggle with Jon Jones.
Pereira, a former undisputed middleweight champion and the incumbent king at gentle heavyweight, turned in a shocking first spherical knockout win over Jamahal Hill in the principle occasion of UFC 300 final month, efficiently defending his title at 205lbs.
And welcoming the prospect of a heavyweight leap within the time since, Sao Paulo knockout star, Pereira has been regularly linked with a title conflict reverse present interim champion, Tom Aspinall, in the end to no avail as of but.
Nevertheless, this week, Brazilian favourite, Pereira was supplied a possible lifeline in his pursuit of a heavyweight transfer – with the above-mentioned, Jones weighing up a possible struggle with the two-division gold holder after he returns later this yr in opposition to Stipe Miocic.
“If Alex P turned champion of the heavyweight division, would you guys think about him the GOAT?” Jon Jones posted. “Being again within the fitness center has acquired me considering otherwise. That struggle in opposition to Stipe possibly the following greatest transfer I might probably make. This killer has already defeated so many champions, and is already thought of a legend to thousands and thousands around the globe. Essentially the most huge struggle within the UFC might make. Give Alex an opportunity to avenge all these nice Brazilian champions I’ve defeated.”
“It will be completely huge,” Jon Jones posted of a struggle with Alex Pereira. “A man with an opportunity to be three division champion and a GOAT versus the precise GOAT. Similar age, completely different strengths. Nobody can argue that that may be the most important struggle in MMA historical past, There’s completely no struggle that generates a payday like that. Advertising could be insane.”
Showing at UFC 301 in his native Brazil this weekend, Pereira spoke up the probabilities of a future heavyweight transfer – in addition to his plan to rematch Jiri Prochazka at 205lbs subsequent, earlier than claiming he didn’t need to placed on an enormous quantity of weight to make the climb.
Alex Pereira plans heavyweight leap
“I’ve been coaching and evolving, and the longer it takes, the extra ready I’ll be for heavyweight,” Alex Pereira instructed media throughout a Q&A session. “I’m stronger than heavy. In a brief interval, I can obtain what I would like, I don’t need to get too heavy to be quicker. I believe 108kg (238lbs) could be good.”
Would you wish to see Alex Pereira struggle Jon Jones at heavyweight?
