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- Alex Pereira has captured the hearts of fans with impressive performances at middleweight and light heavyweight.
- Potential moves for the fighter include a boxing match, a UFC fight with Jon Jones or even a trilogy with Adesanya.
- Anthony Joshua has said he would love to see Pereira step into a boxing ring, and now Zhang Zilei has also marvelled at the UFC star's boxing skills.
In just under three years, UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira (11-2, 9 KOs) has captivated the entire combat sports world with his likable nature and impressive performances under the brightest spotlight. The Brazilian champion earned his first UFC title shot in just over a year when he faced longtime rival Israel Adesanya at middleweight. After defeating his nemesis and quickly losing the rematch, Pereira decided it was time to give 205 pounds a try. The fan-favorite fighter has held belts in two weight classes; could he claim a third belt in the future?
Since moving up to light heavyweight, “Poitan” has become a force of nature and fight fans and media personnel alike are eager to see his next move. There have been some online exchanges between Pereria and former unbeaten champion Anthony Joshua hinting at a possible clash in the ring, but the UFC champion must first do his job inside the cage.
The boxing world continues to talk about Alex Pereira
Zhang Zhilei has also sparred with skilled Brazilian fighters.
Either way, fresh off his spectacular knockout victory over the dangerous Deontay Wilder, Zhang Zhilei (27-2-1, 22 KOs) met up with Ariel Helwani in studio to talk about his recent sparring session with Pereira and his respect for the MMA star's boxing skills.
“I got a spare once. Four rounds. I remember it was 12 rounds that day. [day] For me. There were two guys before Alex stepped in the ring. So we fought four rounds and both fights were close, but we didn't have any sparring footage or film. He's a good boxer. He has good reflexes, speed and power for sure. I watch his fights a lot. He's dominated anybody in the UFC standing up. I think he could compete at heavyweight. … I'd love to have him in my camp.”
Unfortunately, there is no footage of Chan sparring with Pereira, but a training video of Poitan facing off against a heavyweight boxer has surfaced online. During his time in Australia, the UFC champion was seen trading heavy punches with the 6'6″ Demsie McKean.
Not only has Pereira sparred with heavyweight boxers, he's also competed overseas against UFC heavyweight knockout artist Tai Tuivasa, and needless to say, the Brazilian elite striker fared well.
Alex Pereira's next match
MMA Record: 11-2 (9 KOs), UFC Wins: 8, Best Win: Israel Adesanya
It's nice to be Alex Pereira these days. He doesn't speak English, but his personality and fighting skills have made him a household name in the MMA world. It's similar to the Anderson Silva effect from years ago. But unlike Silva, Pereira, at the height of his popularity, has more options in terms of big fight opportunities.
With UFC and Pereira teaming up, a boxing match could come to fruition. If the timing is right, he could face Jon Jones at heavyweight. If Adesanya is ready to try his luck at 205 pounds again, it would make for a blockbuster mixed martial arts trilogy. Alternatively, Pereira could stay at light heavyweight and conquer the division with a win over the versatile Magomed Ankalaev.
It's good to be a king.
