For Alex Pereira, there is no reason to ponder a move back down to middleweight.
The reigning light heavyweight champion defends his belt this Saturday night at UFC 303 vs. Jiri Prochazka. The bout is a rematch of the 2023 fight won by Pereira to claim the vacant title.
As a former 185-pound champion, Pereira feels his body no longer allows him to even think about cutting weight again. That would mean any sort of trilogy bout with rival Israel Adesanya would need to take place at 205 pounds.
Related: VIDEO: Alex Pereira Shows Daniel Cormier How Filthy His Wrestling Has Become
Pereira and Adesanya have met twice inside the Octagon. In 2022, he finished Adesanya to win the belt before losing a few months later.
“No, I wouldn’t go back to middleweight to face Israel Adesanya,” Pereria told Stake (thanks to MMA Weekly for the quotes). “I don’t even think I can make 185 pounds anymore.
“I feel super motivated at light heavyweight. If there were talks about another match, it would have to be at light heavyweight.”
Following the loss, Pereira moved up to light heavyweight. He topped Jan Blachowicz via split decision, finished Prochazka and defended his belt in April over former champion Jamahal Hill.
Pereira is the only combat sport athlete two win multiple division titles in mixed martial arts and kickboxing. He will turn 37 years old days after UFC 303.
Alex Pereira Headlines UFC 303 This Coming Saturday Night
Along with Pereira vs. Prochazka for the championship, UFC 303 will also feature Brian Ortega vs. Diego Lopez. Of course, the event originally was to boast the return of Conor McGregor.
McGregor, who was scheduled to fight Michael Chandler, suffered a broken toe in training. The fight is currently delayed for the time being.
Other planned bouts include Anthony Smith vs. Roman Dolidze, Mayra Bueno Silva vs. Macy Chiasson and Ian Machado Gary vs. Michael Page.
