- Alex Pereira plans to return to middleweight.
- Calls out champion Dricus du Plessis.
- Pereira defends light-heavyweight title; Du Plessis recently beat Adesanya
Alex Pereira has expressed his readiness to drop back to middleweight for a chance to reclaim the title he previously lost. Pereira, who moved up to light-heavyweight following his defeat by Israel Adesanya in 2023, has since become a two-weight champion.
At 37 years old, Pereira is set to defend his light-heavyweight title in October. Despite this, he has publicly stated on social media his desire to challenge current middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis.
Pereira’s callout signals his intent to pursue a return to middleweight and face du Plessis, aiming to regain the title he lost.
Alex Pereira has announced his intention to return to middleweight for another shot at the belt. “I want to go down one more time to middleweight and go for the belt,” Pereira said. He also challenged middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis, urging him to bring his best to prove he’s superior.
Du Plessis defended his title successfully by submitting Israel Adesanya at UFC 305 in August. Pereira is scheduled to defend his light-heavyweight title against Khalil Rountree at UFC 307 on October 5.
Pereira, who made a notable impact in the middleweight division by defeating Adesanya in his first title shot, moved up to light-heavyweight due to the difficulties of cutting weight at 185lbs. As only the ninth fighter to win titles in two UFC weight classes, Pereira has achieved this in record time. UFC president Dana White has hinted that Du Plessis might fight in South Africa next.
