Alex Pereira has already received world titles in two totally different fight sports activities — and now he has his eye on a 3rd.
Pereira, the reigning UFC gentle heavyweight champion and former middleweight champion who additionally received world championships in these classes throughout his kickboxing profession, has been one of many organisation’s standout rivals since making his UFC debut in November 2021.
As such, Pereira has been the topic of a rake of ‘super-fight’ whispers within the media, with him being linked to the likes of Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall and even Khamzat Chimaev in current months.
However whereas ‘Poatan’ has his fingers full with an upcoming 205-pound title defence in opposition to the robust Magomed Ankalaev, he says that one fighter is of specific curiosity to him: boxing’s heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk.
“I don’t know, I believe something is feasible. It’s one thing I can’t plan, however it’s one thing I would like to do,” Pereira mentioned by way of an interpreter whereas showing as a visitor on the Jaxxon Podcast, as famous by MMA Fighting, when requested about his aspirations in boxing.
“That’s one thing that I actually need. I’m below contract with the UFC. We all know McGregor did it. I don’t understand how I might, however sometime I would like to do it. I’m the champ. I wish to combat the champ.”
Pereira has been praised by members of the boxing group, most notably Teddy Atlas who just lately informed Carl Froch that the Brazilian’s left hook sits nicely alongside something that could possibly be delivered by a high-level boxer.
“I believe it’s an excellent combat. I like boxing,” Pereira added of a potential Usyk conflict. “I see some folks speaking, ‘Oh, if it have been pure boxing he can be misplaced’. Man, while you speak pure boxing, I really feel nice. I believe I may combat these guys on the market. I’ve already carried out some sparring with skilled guys, [coach] Plinio is aware of it, and so they’re profitable every part there.” Pereira fights Ankalaev in the primary occasion of UFC 313 on March 8.