UFC Superstar Alex Pereira Confirms Permanent Weight Class Till Retirement After Title Fight Loss

Alex Pereira reveals his long-term plans after UFC Freedom 250 and confirms where he intends to compete for the rest of his career.

UFC Superstar Alex Pereira Confirms Permanent Weight Class Till Retirement After Title Fight Loss

Alex Pereira confirms that he wants to remain at heavyweight [via the Score]

In his relatively short UFC career so far, Alex Pereira has fought across three weight divisions. He has challenged for belts in all of them with his heavyweight debut coming at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House last Sunday. Following this maiden heavyweight outing, the former double champion has made a call on the division he will compete at for the remainder of his career.

At UFC Freedom 250, the Brazilian phenom was actually in pursuit of a third UFC title as he took on Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight belt. However, his title bid was unsuccessful as the Frenchman finished him in a short, uncompetitive fight that ended in the second round. However, ‘Poatan’ alleges that he was struck with illegal blows that led to the finish.

The former kickboxer has claimed that his opponent was on the verge of gassing out against him. As such, Pereira demanded a rematch against Gane in an appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show. Moreover, he confirmed that he would remain at heavyweight even if a rematch isn’t granted. When Ariel Helwani asked if Poatan would stay at heavyweight for the rest of his career, he said the following.

I believe so, let’s see how things play out, but I believe so. And let’s see in a few days when we talk to the UFC, so what they have for us, but we plan to stay at heavyweight.

Alex Pereira via the Ariel Helwani Show

As things stand, Alex Pereira is unranked in the heavyweight division despite his recent debut. On the other hand, his former opponent has already had his callout accepted by the undisputed champion, Tom Aspinall. So, a rematch seems unlikely for the Brazilian at the moment.

Moreover, the 38-year-old is ranked at No. 2 in the UFC’s light heavyweight division. This leaves the former double champion in limbo as he has committed himself to a division that he isn’t ranked in yet. Even so, the Brazilian has already thought of when he wants to return to the octagon.

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Alex Pereira wants a quick turnaround as he eyes a September return

Alex Pereira has remained incredibly active in the UFC throughout his short career. As the light heavyweight champion, Poatan kept up an incredible strength of schedule that saw him fight 3 times in 7 months and defend his title successfully across all those bouts. His activity has only been bettered by a similar ridiculous effort from Merab Dvalishvili whose bout against Petr Yan was his 4th defense of 2025.

Alex Pereira
Alex Pereira (via Bleacher Report)

Nonetheless, it appears as if Pereira wants to get back to his absurd schedule as quickly as possible after his loss last Sunday. The Brazilian heavyweight revealed to Ariel Helwani in the aforementioned interview that he wants to return to the cage in the fall as long as he recovers from his current injuries.

After the result of the medicals, in September. I would like to be fighting [in September]. As long as it doesn’t physically hurt me or [threaten] my life, yeah. I would like to come back.

Alex Pereira via the Ariel Helwani Show

Pereira’s coach, Plinio Cruz, also seemed supportive of the former light heavyweight’s quick turnaround when questioned by Helwani.

Whatever the champ wants the champ gets. We’re gonna support him no matter what.

Plinio Cruz via the Ariel Helwani Show

The last few days have been quite a whirlwind for the UFC and GLORY double champion. Following his shocking loss, he was trolled by Jon Jones on social media. However, the 38-year-old has confirmed that he doesn’t want any conflict with ‘Bones’, even revealing that he no longer wants to fight him despite calling for him on the White House card.

This seems to be a pivotal point in Alex Pereira’s career. With his bridges at middleweight and light heavyweight seemingly burned, it will be interesting to see what the next move is for the only kickboxing and MMA double champion.

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