Alex Pereira is open to competing in both UFC 300 and UFC 301, aiming to break Ronda Rousey’s record for the shortest championship turnaround, and is confident about his match-up with Jamahal Hill.
Alex Pereira has a message for his Brazilian fans. He’s not planning on leaving them in the lurch.
Originally, “Poatan” was set to be the main event at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro. His opponent? Jamahal Hill. But, the UFC had other plans. They decided to move the light heavyweight title bout to UFC 300 on April 13.
But here’s the twist. Pereira is open to fighting in both events.
Back in January, Pereira dropped a hint. He was gunning for Ronda Rousey’s record of the shortest championship turnaround. If he fights on May 4 in Brazil, it would mean a 21-day break after his title defense in Las Vegas. Rousey holds the record with two title defenses in 56 days, beating Sara McMann and Miesha Tate.
Pereira said on his Youtube channel, “Since I was already talking to the UFC about UFC Brazil and it’s something that was already kind of agreed but didn’t happen, there’s this possibility.” He added, “The UFC likes to see me fighting. I think that would be a good idea if all goes right. If I win and I’m not injured, I would ask for that. But one step at a time. The focus now is to win and defend this belt.”
Switching from UFC 301 to UFC 300? Pereira says “it doesn’t change much”. Sure, it’s three weeks less to prepare. But he wouldn’t pass up headlining a historic pay-per-view.
“It was good for me, to be honest,” Pereira admitted. “I’m happy with this fight. It’s a special edition [of the UFC] where those on it will always be remembered. UFC 300 will be special and everybody knows that. It’s going to be good for me.”
What about Hill? He won the 205-pound title with a decision victory over Pereira’s friend Glover Teixeira in Brazil. But he hasn’t fought since due to an injury. “Poatan” then claimed the vacant title with a knockout over Jiri Prochazka.
“I’m happy with this match-up with Jamahal Hill,” Pereira said. “It’s going to be a tough fight, but I’m confident, I’m training well to be this confident.”