After relinquishing the UFC middleweight title to Israel Adesanya. Alex Pereira is ready to embark on a new chapter in his career.
After relinquishing the UFC middleweight title to Israel Adesanya. Alex Pereira is ready to embark on a new chapter in his career. The dynamic striker is set to move up to the light heavyweight division in his quest for a second UFC belt. Pereira’s journey begins on July 30, as he squares off against former champion Jan Blachowicz at UFC 291.
With a remarkable track record in GLORY Kickboxing and a successful transition to MMA. Pereira aims to make history by capturing titles in two weight classes. However, the challenges ahead are significant, as the light heavyweight division boasts formidable contenders. Including current champion Jamahal Hill and former champion Jiri Prochazka.
Alex Pereira’s accolades in the world of kickboxing are unquestionable. Having held simultaneous titles at 85 kilograms and 95 kilograms in GLORY. In 2021, he made the decision to focus on MMA and quickly found success in the UFC, stringing together four impressive wins. The highlight of his career came in November when he secured a stunning fifth-round knockout against Adesanya. When he captured the UFC middleweight belt and earned the title of MMA Fighting’s 2022 Fighter of the Year.
Despite his triumphant rise, Pereira’s rematch with Adesanya proved to be a turning point. The devastating knockout loss marked the end of his middleweight championship reign. Undeterred, the Brazilian striker has set his sights on the light heavyweight division. Where a new set of challenges awaits him.
The jump from middleweight to light heavyweight presents a substantial 20-pound weight difference, making it the largest gap between any of the UFC’s weight classes.
Pereira’s upcoming bout against Jan Blachowicz holds significant importance in his pursuit of light heavyweight gold. A victory would propel him into title contention, but it won’t be an easy task. Anthony Smith, a longtime light heavyweight contender, believes that despite Pereira’s credentials, the division’s elite fighters such as champion Jamahal Hill and former champion Jiri Prochazka pose formidable challenges for the former middleweight titleholder.
While the road to another UFC championship may be arduous, Pereira’s unique skill set and explosive striking make him a dangerous threat to anyone in his path. His background in kickboxing, combined with his evolving MMA skills, provides a dynamic arsenal that could trouble even the most accomplished opponents.
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