'I Just Needed A Break From All Those Weight Cuts'

Today at 10:00 AM

Alex Pereira is looking to one day fight for the UFC heavyweight title, but the reigning UFC light heavyweight king is also eyeing a potential move back to 185 pounds.

While Pereira is currently scheduled to defend his 205-pound title next weekend against Khalil Rountree at UFC 307 in Salt Lake City, Utah, "Poatan" remains focused on forging an ever-lasting legacy in mixed martial arts (MMA). The quickest way for the former two-division GLORY champion to become a UFC legend is to win a third division title at heavyweight. But if Pereira happens to move back down to middleweight and claims another world title there that would be huge for his career.

The last time Pereira competed at middleweight it came against Israel Adesanya in their rematch at UFC 287 back in April 2023 (Pereira lost via knockout). That was 18 months ago and Pereira has already racked off four-straight fights in the UFC's light heavyweight division (he's 4-0 with three title fight wins). If "Poatan" is able to get past Rountree later this month at UFC 307 he'd be open to the idea of returning to 185 pounds, especially if it means fighting current UFC middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis.

Pereira, who mainly moved up to light heavyweight to avoid strenuous weight cuts, says he's feeling better than ever and comfortable in making another cut down to 185 pounds. He'd like to get his hands on DDP at some point as well as compete a few more times in the division.

"I would like it to be at middleweight," Pereira told The Schmo regarding a potential clash with du Plessis. "I told everybody that I just needed a break from 185, from all those weight cuts. I feel good, I feel healthy right now.

"I think I can do more fights [at middleweight]," he added.

What are your thoughts on this? Should Pereira chase heavyweight gold like he had planned or make a move back to middleweight for a few more fights there?

Let's hear it!