Alex Pereira admits Dana White’s UFC 300 offer was last moment: ‘UFC 301 was already done’

Alex Pereira reveals how he was booked to fight at UFC 300.

Alex Pereira admits Dana White’s UFC 300 offer was last moment: ‘UFC 301 was already done’

Alex Pereira reveals he was to fight Jamahal Hill in UFC 301 before UFC 300 fight announcement (via Imago)

UFC 300 marks a monumental feat in the history of the UFC. As such, the fight event features some of the biggest names in the sport. However, the main event of the historic event remained a mystery until last weekend. UFC CEO Dana White announced Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill as the headliner for UFC 300. Would you believe the main event was not planned but put in place just a few days before the announcement? Hear from ‘Poatan’ of the behind-the-scenes instances.

In his recent appearance on the MMA Hour Show, Alex Pereira unveiled he was initially booked to fight in UFC 301. However, at the last moment, the fight promotion suddenly asked for his willingness to headline the UFC 300. Here is what he said (through a translator):

The original verbal agreement, not signed, was to fight in (UFC) 301 in Brazil - Main Event - Jamahal Hill. But, a few days ago, my manager said that the UFC asked for me to headline the UFC 300. I liked the idea. I think it's perfect timing for me to be prepared for it. So, I just jumped in.
Alex Pereira (via The MMA Hour)
YouTube video

Considering UFC 301 was in Rio, Brazil, the UFC’s idea of booking Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill made sense. However, since the fight promotion struggled to find a main event for UFC 300, they spontaneously changed their plans. Further in the interview, ‘Poatan’ stated he initially called for a fight in the historic card. However, the UFC reluctantly made him agree to UFC 301. He let it slide, given that UFC 301 was in Brazil. However, the opportunity returned as he wished, and he agreed immediately.

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As such, Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill headline the monumental UFC 300 for the light heavyweight championship. Also, UFC 301 being in Brazil, ‘Poatan’ wanted to make history by making a quick turnaround and fighting in two back-to-back PPVs. However, it all depended on the result of UFC 300.

Alex Pereira’s views on his potential move up to heavyweight

Alex Pereira was rumored to move up to heavyweight to face Tom Aspinall at UFC 300. However, it just remained a rumor as ‘Poatan’ discarded the potential fight. But, he opened up about his chances of fighting at heavyweight and stated he wanted to take time and do it properly. Now, he revealed his current walkaround weight and imagined his scenario of moving up to heavyweight.

Alex Pereira on his chances of fighting at heavyweight
Alex Pereira on his chances of fighting at heavyweight (via Instagram-ESPN)

In the MMA Hour Show, Alex Pereira credited himself as a ‘big guy’ and disclosed he walked around 230-235 pounds of body weight. As such, he looked positive about moving up to heavyweight. He acknowledged just 10-15lbs of weight gain can put him in a good spot to fight in the heavyweight division. Here is what he said:

I'm a big guy. I probably walk around at 230-235 (lbs). Heavyweight maybe 260, if I can go up to 240-250 (lbs), I don't have to kill myself to be a heavyweight.
Alex Pereira (via The MMA Hour Show)

While Alex Pereira contemplated a move up to heavyweight, he has business to take care of in light heavyweight. He headlines UFC 300 against Jamahal Hill and puts his 205-title on the line. However, he looked affirmative about fighting in heavyweight in the future. If he manages to win the title at the 265-pound division, ‘Poatan’ would be the only person to have acquired titles in three weight classes. As such, he might take his chances to create history and etch his name in the UFC history books.

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