Alex Pereira, the reigning two-division champion, has set his sights on becoming the first fighter in UFC history to hold titles in three weight classes. However, his path to achieving this unprecedented feat may have to take a slight detour as he is initially set to face Tom Aspinall, the current interim heavyweight champion.
Pereira's remarkable journey to the pinnacle of the UFC has been marked by a series of dominant performances. After capturing the middleweight title in 2022, he ascended to the light heavyweight division and swiftly claimed that championship as well. His most recent title defense, at UFC 300, saw him dispatch the highly regarded Jamahal Hill in the first round.
Undeterred by the challenge of moving up in weight, Pereira returned to the Octagon less than 120 days later at UFC 303 to defend his light heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka. Once again, he proved his mettle, making quick work of his opponent and retaining his championship.
These impressive displays have undoubtedly caught the attention of Aspinall, who has extended an invitation to Pereira for a potential heavyweight clash. Aspinall, who holds the interim title after defeating Curtis Blaydes, has been patiently awaiting a showdown with Jon Jones, the long-reigning heavyweight champion. However, with Jones's recent decision to face Stipe Miocic later this year, Aspinall is keen to explore other options.
In an interview with talkSPORT, Aspinall expressed his willingness to face Pereira: As we have seen with me, I'm not shying away from anybody, so if the UFC wants to do that then I'm more than happy to do it. I absolutely want to fight him.
For Pereira, this potential matchup presents a tantalizing opportunity to etch his name further into the annals of UFC history. If he emerges victorious, he will not only become the first three-division champion in the organization but also solidify his status as one of the greatest fighters of all time.
However, the question remains: is Pereira truly ready to make the leap to heavyweight? Immediately following his UFC 300 triumph, Pereira openly expressed his desire to move up in weight. He reiterated this sentiment after UFC 303, stating his belief that he could conquer the heavyweight division as well.
UFC president Dana White, however, has expressed reservations about Pereira's immediate transition to heavyweight. White has advised Pereira to establish himself more firmly in the light heavyweight division before contemplating a move up. Several UFC legends, including Daniel Cormier, have echoed White's sentiments, suggesting that Pereira should first test his mettle against the likes of Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev.
Thus, it remains to be seen whether Pereira will ultimately accept Aspinall's challenge. While the allure of becoming a three-division champion is undeniable, Pereira may be wise to heed the advice of White and other experienced voices within the UFC and focus on solidifying his dominance in the light heavyweight division before embarking on a new challenge at heavyweight.
