UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has intensified speculation regarding a move to the heavyweight division after revealing he is currently walking around at 242 pounds.
The two-division champion, who previously held gold at middleweight, has established himself as one of the sport’s top attractions following a TKO victory over Magomed Ankalaev in their recent title rematch. As the 38-year-old continues to outgrow the 205-pound division, his focus has shifted toward becoming the first three-division champion in UFC history.
In a recent interview with Valter Walker’s YouTube channel, Pereira made it clear that while his days at middleweight are over, he remains open to competing in any division where he can safely make weight.
“Whoever they put in front of me, I’ll be fighting,” Pereira said. “I love fighting, so it doesn’t matter weight classes — of course, if you say middleweight I can’t make that anymore. At the other two divisions, light heavyweight and heavyweight, [the opponent] is indifferent to me.”
Rumors have continued to swirl regarding Pereira’s involvement in the historic UFC event at the White House, scheduled for June 14. UFC legend Chael Sonnen has publicly stated his confidence that Pereira will be featured on the card, potentially in a heavyweight matchup against Ciryl Gane for an interim title.
The landscape of the heavyweight division has been complicated by the recovery of undisputed champion Tom Aspinall, who recently underwent surgery on both eyes following a “no contest” result against Gane at UFC 321. Earlier this month, rumors circulated that the UFC had asked Aspinall to relinquish his belt during his recovery. However, these claims have been dismissed as a “hoax” by MMA reporter Peter Carroll.
The injury occurred after an accidental double eye poke in Abu Dhabi. While the division waits for Aspinall’s return, the possibility of an interim title fight involving Pereira and Gane continues to gain traction as a way to keep the 265-pound division moving.
