Alex Pereira sets benchmark for UFC champions as Belal Muhammad aims quick turnaround

UFC welterweight champion, Belal Muhammad, appears to admire Alex Pereira's championship run and aims to emulate that in his reign.

Alex Pereira sets benchmark for UFC champions as Belal Muhammad aims quick turnaround

Belal Muhammad wants to stay active like Alex Pereira (Image via Imago/UFC)

The fighting community is well aware of UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira’s rising prominence. With each passing day, the Brazilian fighter enhances his reputation and inspires many along the way. Recently, newly crowned UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad remarked on how Pereira has set a standard for other champions in the roster.

At UFC 304, Belal Muhammad crowned himself the UFC welterweight champion after defeating Leon Edwards in his opponent’s hometown. Typically, a newly crowned champion takes some time off before defending their hard-earned championship belt. Interestingly, ‘Remember The Name’ isn’t a fan of that. As such, he even states the reason behind it, citing Alex Pereira’s active fight record.

Sitting on a couch doesn‘t get you paid, sitting on a couch doesn‘t make me happy, I wanna get happy by competing. I love to compete… For 2025, I‘m trying to get on that Alex Pereira schedule…

Belal Muhammad via Grind City Media
YouTube video

UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has been one of the most active champions in recent months. The Brazilian fighter has already defended his title three times in 2024 against tough opponents, including Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree. These victories have further elevated Pereira’s status within the community. Interestingly, Belal Muhammad also aims to achieve a similar level of activity.

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The newly crowned UFC welterweight champion has consistently faced criticism for his lackluster performances. Belal Muhammad has won the majority of his fights by decision. In an effort to counter these harsh critiques, he may have believed that increased activity in the fight would help his case.

Just four months after his last fight, Muhammad is prepared for his first title defense against Shavkat Rakhmonov. The fight is scheduled for December, and it will be interesting to see how that pans out. Meanwhile, Pereira has teased a quick return to the octagon after his recent UFC 307 outing.

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When will Alex Pereira return?

Since his promotional debut, Alex Pereira has shown remarkable growth in the UFC. In just three years, he became the UFC middleweight champion and now holds the title of UFC light heavyweight champion. His most recent fight occurred at UFC 307 a few days ago, where he dominated Khalil Rountree. After this victory, Pereira mentioned that he would take some time to rest. However, that depends on him.

Alex Pereira with his UFC belts
Alex Pereira with his UFC belts (Image via X)

Pereira and his coach, Plinio Cruz, recently attended a brief interview session with popular sports journalist Ariel Helwani. During the interview, Helwani expressed a keen interest in learning when the light heavyweight champion would return to the ring. Plinio Cruz translated that Pereira might return and fight in December, depending on his decision.

Ideally, he (Alex Pereira) would fight around June, it would be ideal, but he would maybe like to fight around March, even, but honestly, say, if it were up to him, he‘ll fight in December right now….

Plinio Cruz via the Ariel Helwani Show
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Alex Pereira has an impressive fight record

If Pereira returns to fight in December, it will mark his fourth title defense in a year. However, he has limited options, as he has already defeated several competitors, and some fighters are currently scheduled to fight. Among those interested is Jan Blachowicz, who has expressed a desire for a rematch. It will be intriguing to see how the UFC responds to this potential matchup.