UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is eager for more fights and breaking records, but is not in a hurry to announce his next match, and is considering both defending his current title or moving up to the heavyweight division.
Alex Pereira is itching for a fight. He’s all about breaking records, but he’s not in a hurry to announce his next UFC match.
“Poatan” recently floored Jamahal Hill at UFC 300. It was the main event and he defended his light heavyweight title in record time.
After the fight, he chatted with MMA Fighting’s Trocação Franca podcast. He discussed his future plans, but he’s not sure what’s next.
When asked about defending his belt or moving to heavyweight, he was unsure. “It’s a tough call,” Pereira admitted. “I haven’t given it much thought.”
He’s concerned about the timing. If he moves to heavyweight and gets injured, when can he defend his belt? He doesn’t want to hold up the division.
He had envisioned a best-case scenario. But with two broken toes, things are complicated. He doesn’t want to stall the light heavyweight division.
He thought about fighting at heavyweight at UFC 301. Then, he’d let someone else fight for the light heavyweight belt. He thought that would’ve been cool.
Meanwhile, UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is watching Pereira. He posted a picture of Pereira entering the octagon at UFC 300. Aspinall is set to defend his belt at the upcoming UFC show in Manchester.
Aspinall’s next fight is still a mystery. But Pereira gave him credit for the smart social media move.
As for challenging Aspinall in Manchester, Pereira says it’s up to UFC. “I’m here, ready to fight,” he said. “But it’s not my call.”
Pereira is open to fighting anyone. But he’s not the one who decides. He’s got his managers for that.
He sees Magomed Ankalaev as a potential opponent. But he’s not keen on meeting Ankalaev in Abu Dhabi in October.
Pereira is recovering from a fractured toe. He expects to be cleared to train in early May.
He doesn’t want to wait until the end of the year to fight. “I want to fight sooner,” he said. “I don’t know why he [Ankalaev] said that.”
Pereira finds Ankalaev complicated. He’s ready to fight, but he needs to consider what’s best for him.
If UFC wants to wait, Pereira would prefer to fight in November. He’d love to be featured on Madison Square Garden’s pay-per-view.
“It makes total sense,” Pereira said. He lives and trains nearby and has won two title-winning knockouts at Madison Square Garden. “Wait one more month and I’m fighting at home? It’s so much better.”