Alex Pereira Staying Fit in Full Adventure Mode Before Heavyweight Title Fight

Former two divisional champion Alex Pereira has multiple adventures ahead of UFC Freedom 250 interim heavyweight title fight.

Alex Pereira Staying Fit in Full Adventure Mode Before Heavyweight Title Fight

Alex Pereira's adventures ahead of heavyweight fight (via MMA Fighting)

In Short
  • Alex Pereira is set to face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250.
  • He recently participated in a traditional horse-riding event in Brazil while preparing for his heavyweight debut.
  • Doubts about Pereira's knockout power at heavyweight have emerged, but some veterans believe his skills will translate well.

Alex Pereira is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous and successful fighters in the UFC, known for his elite striking and knockout power. The Brazilian star made a seamless transition from GLORY Kickboxing and quickly rose to become a two-division champion. As he now targets a third divisional title at heavyweight, Pereira appears to be enjoying life while also continuing to build his cardio.

Pereira last competed at UFC 320, where he knocked out Magomed Ankalaev in the first round to reclaim the light heavyweight title. The decisive finish marked another milestone in his run at the top. He is now set to face former interim champion Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250 for the interim heavyweight belt. A win would put him in position to secure a third divisional title, a feat never achieved in UFC history.

Pereira was recently seen taking part in a traditional horse-riding gathering in Brazil, where he helped lead the procession in the afternoon. He was seen blowing a traditional horn at the start, marking the beginning of the ride. ‘Poatan’ was accompanied by his trainer, Plinio Cruz, and former UFC champion Glover Teixeira, while multiple families and children also rode alongside on horseback and tonga carts.

Pereira has consistently shown a strong connection to nature throughout his career, often returning to Brazil and embracing his rural and native cultural roots, rooted in his tribal heritage. The former champion was recently seen in a coconut-cutting moment where he cleanly split a coconut open with a single strike of a cleaver, though all the water hilariously spilled out right after, prompting laughter from his Cruz.

However, there have been growing doubts about Pereira’s physique, with some noting he looks bulkier than his usual toned frame ahead of his heavyweight move. ‘Poatan’ has said he is targeting a 6–7 week transformation for his heavyweight build and plans to surprise fans on fight night. He was recently seen running a short road race in Brazil with Glover Teixeira to continue sharpening his conditioning.

Doubts about Alex Pereira’s knockout power at heavyweight have already started circulating as he prepares for 265 pounds. However, veterans like Dustin Poirier and UFC commentator Joe Rogan believe his power will translate naturally. While he appears to be enjoying life and staying active outside the cage for now, he is expected to lock in during the coming weeks as his heavyweight transition approaches.

UFC heavyweight contender weighs in on Alex Pereira’s heavyweight debut

Sergei Pavlovich is a Russian heavyweight contender currently ranked near the top of the UFC division, widely known for his explosive knockout power and first-round finishing ability.

Standing around 6’3″ and competing at roughly 255 pounds, he built his reputation through a dominant run of early stoppage wins. He is currently on a two-fight win streak after victories over Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Jairzinho Rozenstruik.

Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira
Alex Pereira (via X)

There have been growing doubts surrounding Alex Pereira’s move to heavyweight, with many pointing out that Ciryl Gane is a natural heavyweight who has competed at 265 pounds throughout his career and has already held the interim title. In response, Pavlovich recently weighed in on the matchup, adding his perspective on how Pereira’s skills might translate against an established heavyweight like Gane.

If Pereira has the same range control he can catch Gane. If Pereira turns out to be a little heavy then Gane may just outpoint him.

Sergei Pavlovich via Red Corner MMA

The heavyweight landscape could shift depending on the outcome of Alex Pereira’s matchup with Ciryl Gane. A win would silence doubts about his move up and could set up a future clash with Sergei Pavlovich, who is already near the top of the division. Pavlovich is next scheduled to face Tallison Teixeira, meaning both fighters are on separate but potentially converging paths toward a heavyweight showdown.

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