For Alex Pereira, the next chapter in his combat sports career is his most ambitious yet.
The former two-division champion appeared in the studio on Monday’s edition of “The Ariel Helwani Show” and opened up about his decision to relinquish the UFC light heavyweight championship in pursuit of heavyweight gold. The fight will take place on June 14 at the UFC White House event against Ciryl Gane for the interim gold medal. The fight kicks off Pereira’s new eight-fight deal with the company, providing him with a chance to deservedly part ways with the light heavyweight title.
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“Honestly, it was a very easy choice,” Pereira told The Uncrowded through a translator. “When I expressed that I wanted to [up in weight]of course I had to give up one of the belts because they gave me a new contract. I’m really, really happy with my new contract. I want to thank [UFC matchmaker] Mick [Maynard], [UFC CBO] hunter [Campbell] and [UFC CEO] Dana [White] for it.
“With the new contract they gave me, I didn’t care about giving up the belt or anything like that. They took really good care of me.”
From now on, the legendary Brazilian intends to move into heavyweight permanently. While fighters often try out new divisions before returning to familiar territory, Pereira, 38, insists his intentions are different.
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At nearly 245 pounds, “Poatan” believed he had nothing left to accomplish at light heavyweight and had no real desire to continue the grueling cut.
“I could fight at light heavyweight again, but I don’t think it’s anything new for me,” Pereira said. “A lot of people just act on impulse and they jump up a weight class, they lose, and then they come back. No. I’ve been saying for a long time that I’ve always wanted to compete at heavyweight. So, I think I’m going to stay here.”
There has been speculation about a potential superfight with former heavyweight champion Jon Jones for months, especially as Jones’ future in the UFC has become increasingly uncertain.
“Bones” has been heavily promoting the White House card on social media in hopes of taking on his former double-championship opponent. Pereira acknowledged the intrigue surrounding the possibility and called for it after his last victory. But he stressed that any meeting between the two men would depend heavily on what happens next.
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Ultimately, Pereira claimed there were never any talks to fight Jones.
“I believe [it’s still possible]. As long as I win this battle, right? “Pereira said. “Because otherwise, it doesn’t make much sense. I’m a dangerous guy. Why would he put himself in danger? But I believe I will win this battle. This is a big opportunity.
“I believe this happens because he has to be released from the UFC. I don’t think the UFC is going to release him anytime soon. So, if he’s going to fight, who is he going to be against? It’s going to be against me.”
For now, Pereira’s focus remains on Gane — a matchup that he said had been discussed internally before the White House event became part of the discussion. For Pereira, the stylistic puzzle and historical significance make the fight particularly appealing.
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“What I really want is a great opponent, but I’m motivated to go out there and win this belt and make history,” he said. “That’s my dream, right? To win this fight. That’s all I want right now. But I think he’s a really good opponent for me and I think it’s a good fight for me. A really good fight for me.”
If Pereira succeeds, another major challenge could soon follow. The interim heavyweight championship position put Pereira in an immediate fast-track position with resurgent champion Tom Aspinall. Pereira made it clear he doesn’t care who wins if Gunn wins.
“I think it’s great. Like I told you, man. I just signed a new deal. They can have whoever they want to fight me. I’ll fight anybody. I’m excited for every fight.”
