Alex Pereira suggesting a potential fight with boxing heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk was scoffed at by fight fans last month. Well, the Ukrainian revealed this week he is actually interested in the crossover scrap.
There have been many talented UFC fighters. However, only a select few connect with fans and build a notable fanbase. Even fewer can also be champions in the company. Well, in just 10 fights former K1 superstar Alex Pereira has done both.
Related: Alex Pereira Next Fight – ‘Poatan’ Defends UFC Title Vs. Magomed Ankalaev At UFC 313
Over his short run in the company, the Brazilian has defeated five former UFC champions, including finishing Jiri Prochazka twice. And in 2023 he added himself to the rare group that has won belts in two different divisions during their UFC careers. Yet he has done it all with a unique dry humor that has endeared him to fight fans around the world.
With his profile as high as ever, heavyweight king Jon Jones has pushed for a fight between the two champions. However, UFC boss Dana White has shut down the idea because he prefers a unification clash between Jones and interim champ Tom Aspinall.
That might be why Pereira suggested during an interview last month he would love a fight with a different heavyweight champ. That being boxing superstar Oleksandr Usyk. Well, the pugilist offered up a very interesting response to that idea this week.
- Alex Pereira record: 12-2 (10 knockouts)
Oleksandr Usyk interested in Alex Pereira fight
“First, is who wins the next fight [between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker] on Feb. 22,” Usyk told TNT Sports. “Next? Maybe a show fight with Alex Pereira? Maybe, why not? Alex wants to.”
A potential fight would of course happen in boxing. Which would give Usyk some major advantages. However, as an undersized heavyweight, he would not be bigger than Alex Pereira who is a sizable light heavyweight that probably walks around at around 230 pounds.
- Oleksandr Usyk record: 23-0 (14 knockouts)
While there are many steps to go before a fight actually happens, it is an exciting thought. To see two of the very best fighters in two different fight sports clash inside the squared circle would be an era-defining moment in fight sports.
Related: Oleksandr Usyk Next Fight: 3 Opponent Options For ‘The Cat’ Including Daniel Dubois
