On Friday, Dana White announced that Alex Pereira has decided to vacate his light heavyweight championship and is moving up to heavyweight.
“Poatan” had teased a move up since reclaiming the 205-pound strap by dethroning Magomed Ankalaev in a title rematch at UFC 320, and the promotion has now seconded his desire.
The Brazilian has already attained two-division glory in the UFC, and now could soon become the first fighter in the promotion to fight for the third belt.
Although Alex Pereira’s next fight has not been announced yet, he’s rumored to face Ciryl Gane in his heavyweight debut.
Reigning UFC 265-pound kingpin Tom Aspinall is currently on the sidelines recovering from an eye injury, and he’s not expected to fight anytime soon. In his absence, Pereira could fight for the interim belt, or if Aspinall vacates the title, “Poatan” may soon get the opportunity to become the first three-division UFC champion.
Dana White has also announced that he will be announcing the fights for the UFC White House event this week. Hence, Pereira fans might soon hear an announcement of his next fight, with Jon Jones or Ciryl Gane emerging as the most probable opponents.
New light heavyweight champion to be crowned at UFC 327, after Alex Pereira decides to vacate
Dana White also announced that since Alex Pereira has decided to vacate and move up, a new light heavyweight champion will be crowned at UFC 327.
The UFC 327 main event, where the undisputed 205-pound championship will be up for grabs, features a bout between former champion Jiri Prochazka and No. 3-ranked contender Carlos Ulberg.
Although Prochazka wanted to fight Alex Pereira again despite suffering two knockout losses to “Poatan,” for now, he’s receiving a bigger opportunity. Reacting to it, he posted on X:
It’s here, more than ever, with everything we have. Letsgoforthat !!! #IAMTHECHAMPION ⚡️🙏⚡️ GOD BLESS YOU 🙏 LETSGOFORTHAT/LETSGOFORHUNT”
Check out Jiri Prochazka’s post below:
