Alex Pereira Seeking History
Alex Pereira Seeking History
By Tim Burke October 02, 2024 17:33
Alex Pereira has stated that he plans to move to middleweight following UFC 307.
“I want to go down one more time to middleweight and go for the belt.” Pereira stated in an Instagram post following DDP’s win over Israel Adesanya.
Poatan spent several years at middleweight with Glory Kickboxing and was the UFC middleweight champion in 2022 after knocking out Israel Adesnaya.
At 6 foot 4, Pereira was a huge middleweight and was forced to move to light heavyweight for his health. Still, he seems adamant about fighting Driscus Du Plessis.
“I would like it to be at middleweight. I told everybody that I just needed a break from 185, from all those weight cuts. I feel good, I feel healthy right now.” Pereira stated in a interview with the Schmo.
What’s the motivation for Pereira to move down a weight class? History. At UFC 307, Pereira could break Ronda Rousey’s record for most title defenses (3) the fewest amount of days (175).
If Poatan moves down to middleweight to face DDP, he would become the second UFC fighter in history to be champion in two weight classes at the same time, joining the likes of Conor McGregor.
Poatan would be unable to move up to heavyweight to accomplish this historic feat until later in 2025, with the log jam created by Jon Jones's injury and Asoinall's rise to stardom.
"He's a smart guy who realizes time is not your friend in this game. Get in there and accomplish as many great things as you can.” Dana White told reporters following Poatans victory at UFC 303.
Pereira is aware that at 37, he has limited time to achieve a legacy in MMA. But that hasn’t stopped him from daring to be one of the greatest fighters in UFC history. He seeks to make the most out of his career and that’s what fans appreciate about him.
Nonetheless, Pereira has a difficult challenge ahead of him at UFC 307. Khalil Rountree is a dangerous opponent and is hungry to become a UFC champion. He needs to focus on the task at hand.
"If there’s anything to be said about Salt Lake City, upsets happen" Cormier stated on his podcast with Ben Askren. Noting Kamaru Usman's loss to Leon Edwards and Poirier's loss to Justin Gaethje.
Alex Pereira's intention to return to middleweight reflects his ambition to reclaim the title and solidify his legacy in mixed martial arts, particularly as he aims to break records and achieve historic milestones before his career progresses further. However, he must remain focused on the immediate challenge posed by Khalil Rountree at UFC 307, as the potential for upsets looms large in the competitive landscape of the sport.