Alex Pereira is open to competing at heavyweight in the UFC only if it’s for the undisputed title, as his main focus remains on defending his light heavyweight belt.
Alex Pereira is open to challenging himself at heavyweight in the UFC, but only if he’s competing for undisputed gold.
“Poatan” knocked out Jiri Prochazka to successfully defend his light heavyweight title at UFC 303 in June. Afterward, interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall mentioned his name as a potential challenger in the future. However, Pereira isn’t interested in competing for anything less than the official title.
“It doesn’t interest me to fight [Aspinall] at the moment,” Pereira said on his YouTube channel. “To be honest, heavyweight isn’t my goal; it isn’t my main focus.” He continued, “Tom Aspinall, not talking him as a fighter, I’m talking positions. I think I’m in another position now.”
“It doesn’t make sense for me to fight for the interim belt, honestly.”
Aspinall is scheduled to defend his interim heavyweight belt at UFC 304 against Curtis Blaydes. Meanwhile, Jones recovers from a shoulder injury and awaits a date to face former champion Stipe Miocic.
“I am not taking anything away from [Aspinall], I respect him a lot,” Pereira said. “I think he’s an incredible athlete, a guy that is very dangerous technically.” He added, “I’m just talking about fighting for an interim belt. There’s no point for me.”
“So I rule that out; there is no possibility to fight him now.” Pereira clarified further: “If he was champion and he said that, of course we would be promoting that fight.” He emphasized, “I would force it more, but there is no point to fight for the interim belt right now.”
Would Pereira react the same way if Jon Jones challenged him?
The former UFC middleweight champion and current light heavyweight king said he would be interested. Although it’s not his main priority at the moment.
“Like I said, my focus is on my category,” Pereira stated. “I’m evolving a lot, doing very good.” He continued: “That is my focus; I’m doing a lot of good things in this division.”
“I’m very happy with this. I’m not going to force anything.”
Pereira elaborated: “I think when I go to heavyweight… If I did go back to middleweight — which I won’t be doing — I’d fight for the belt.” He added: “If I go to heavyweight… Like I said, I’m 37.”
“So I have to go straight to the top… If it’s Jon Jones or Aspinall… whoever.” His eyes are set on one thing: “I’m just eyeing the belt.”
As for his next bout? If it’s at light heavyweight…
Pereira doesn’t want to compete before December.
“[Light heavyweight] is where I want to stay,” Pereira confirmed. “My focus is to defend my belt.” Doesn’t matter who.
“A lot of people say [Magomed] Ankalaev,” he noted. “That’s who they are talking about now.” People are focused on him.
“But I’m training well… Not just for him but anyone.” It’s a good fight for me.
“To fight,” he concluded simply. “I’ll be well-prepared for him or anyone.”