Alex Pereira is considering a move to heavyweight for a third UFC title, with Robelis Despaigne supporting his potential, while Despaigne prepares for a Karate Combat championship match against Sam Alvey.
Alex Pereira is hinting at a move to heavyweight, eyeing a third UFC title. Robelis Despaigne, a towering 6-foot-7 knockout artist, believes “Poatan” could thrive in the heavyweight division.
Despaigne aims to go 6-0 in 2025 as he challenges Sam Alvey for the Karate Combat championship in Florida. Interestingly, he sparred with the UFC light heavyweight champ just days before his match at Fusion X-Cel Performance in Orlando.
“I almost skipped that day,” Despaigne shared with MMA Fighting. “I’d had an intense training session at my gym, lots of sparring. But then the Orlando coach called, saying Pereira’s coach wanted him to train with a heavyweight. So, I went, sparred with Pereira, and it was super productive. Didn’t expect it to go viral, but it did.”
Starting as a middleweight, Pereira moved up after losing his belt to Israel Adesanya. He reclaimed the 205-pound title with a first-round KO of Magomed Ankalaev.
“To me, Pereira’s a heavyweight,” Despaigne remarked. “He cuts to 205 but weighs like Ciryl Gane in competition shape. He could even make 185 if he wanted. The guy can do anything.”
Pereira and Jon Jones are eyeing a superfight at UFC’s planned 2026 card at the White House. Despaigne thinks “Poatan” could be the first to truly beat Jones.
“If Jon Jones slips up, Pereira can put him to sleep,” Despaigne said. “Not easily, though. Jones is quality. It’s gonna be a big fight, both have huge fan bases. Pereira’s striking versus Jones’ wrestling—let’s see who wins.”
Despaigne and Alvey, both UFC veterans, are set to clash for the Karate Combat title. Alvey recently claimed the heavyweight belt with a knockout of veteran Tyrone Spong, which surprised many.
“We thought Alvey might lose his last defense, but nope, he knocked him out,” Despaigne noted. “It seemed easy, though it wasn’t. His opponent was experienced, but Alvey capitalized and won quickly.”
The Cuban heavyweight, an Olympic bronze medalist in Taekwondo, earned his shot with three wins in one night, defeating Saulo Cavalari, Tim Johnson, and Zac Pauga.
“Alvey’s no accidental champ,” Despaigne said. “He’s held the belt a long time, knows what it takes. It’ll be a tough fight. Winning’s what matters, right? I’ll do my job, wait for his mistake, and execute our plan.”