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Alex Pereira’s long-rumored move to heavyweight appears to be gaining serious momentum. After revealing that negotiations are underway for his next fight, the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion has now showcased a physical transformation that could signal an imminent debut in the promotion’s most dangerous division.
Following his UFC 320 victory over Magomed Ankalaev last October, Pereira made it clear he was targeting a move up in weight. The Brazilian knockout artist even called out Jon Jones for a blockbuster showdown at the proposed UFC White House event. However, those plans stalled when Jones reiterated that he would likely remain retired due to ongoing arthritis issues.
Despite that setback, Pereira’s ambitions to compete at heavyweight remain firmly intact.
Heavyweight picture in flux
The heavyweight division is currently surrounded by uncertainty. Champion Tom Aspinall remains sidelined after undergoing double eye surgery, with no confirmed timeline for his return. While criticism from sections of the fanbase has mounted, Pereira publicly defended the British champion, insisting he would not fake an injury of that nature.
Meanwhile, Michael Bisping has suggested the UFC may need to keep the division active, even floating the idea of asking Tom Aspinall to vacate the belt. As speculation intensifies, rumors have emerged that Alex Pereira could face Ciryl Gane for a potential interim heavyweight title.
“It’s very close to something being announced”
Earlier this week, Pereira confirmed that serious discussions are taking place regarding his next fight.
“We are talking about some things. My next fight, we’ve already started conversations. It took a little while, but it’s very close to something being announced,” Pereira told Valter Walker.
Just hours after making that statement, ‘Poatan’ added fuel to the speculation by revealing his current weight. The 38-year-old stepped onto the scale at 242.5 pounds — a figure that positions him squarely within striking distance of established heavyweights. Notably, that number is just five pounds lighter than what Ciryl Gane weighed in his last appearance.
A calculated transformation
Alex Pereira’s physique has visibly evolved, reflecting a deliberate shift toward increased size and power without compromising mobility. Having already conquered middleweight and light heavyweight, a successful heavyweight debut would make him a rare three-division contender in modern UFC history.
With negotiations nearing completion and his weight trending upward, Pereira’s transformation is more than cosmetic — it may be the final step before another bold chapter in his remarkable career begins.
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