Former UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira has announced his decision to move to the light heavyweight division. In a recent Tweet, he gave his reasons for making the move and addressed his thoughts on Israel Adesanya’s behavior since their fight. Pereira also discussed the possibility of a rematch with Adesanya and whether or not UFC would have made it happen. Fans and experts had speculated that Pereira would make the move to light heavyweight, and it appears they were right.
Poatan’s decision has been met with support from UFC president Dana White and his former opponent Adesanya. Both men said at the UFC 287 post-fight press conference that they think Alex Pereira will go to the light heavyweight division. The Brazilian fighter’s recent video confirms their predictions, and he explains the factors behind his decision.
The Adesanya who won against Pereira is not the same as the one who lost to him. Since the fight, there have been several controversial moves from Adesanya, and Pereira has not been shy about sharing his thoughts on the matter. With his move to light heavyweight, Pereira looks set to make an impact in his new division.
Light Heavyweight division to welcome Alex Pereira
Alex Pereira has taken to Twitter to share a snippet of his latest YouTube video, in which he announces his move to the light heavyweight division. He states that his work in the middleweight division is complete, and he is feeling good about the move up to 205 lbs. Pereira remains tight-lipped about his next opponent, but confirms that it will be a light heavyweight.
He said, “My next fight will be in 205! Yeah you heard it right. My next fight will be in 205.”
My plans are official ! Announcement 📣
Full video on https://t.co/yR9Pvub1er pic.twitter.com/Rzs4RHvDKy— Alex “Poatan” Pereira (@AlexPereiraUFC) April 13, 2023
Pereira’s decision to move up to light heavyweight is after consideration with his friend and mentor Glover Teixeira. Pereira was present at Teixeira’s last fight against Jamahal Hill, and it seems that the experience left an impression on him.
While Pereira cannot reveal his next opponent, it is clear that he is focused on making a big impact in his new division.
Pereira has been vocal about his feelings towards former opponent Israel Adesanya. He believes that Adesanya is behaving as if he 3-1 instead of Pereira. Pereira acknowledges that beating him was Adesanya’s dream, he is now focused on his move to the light heavyweight division.
While he could have pushed for a rematch with Adesanya, Pereira is done with the middleweight division and is excited for what the future holds at 205 lbs.
Fans react to ‘Poatan’ moving to LWH
Fans are showing their excitement about this move by the Brazilian. Here’s what the fans had to say:
A fan said:
Brought life to the MW division and now we get LHW chaos? Bless you.
— MS (@UFC_Obsessed) April 13, 2023
One fan questions UFC and Pereira’s motives:
UFC is all politics. Why would he move up to 205 after just losing to Izzy but still being 3-1 against him? 1-1 if we don’t count kickboxing but it would still make sense to settle the score, no? And I’m an Izzy fan. Lol
— Cj- JROD MVP SZN (@_christianjz) April 13, 2023
Some fan wants ‘Izzy’ and ‘Poatan’ to go at it again:
Hellyeah. Maybe do Israel fight down the road, his team recently said they were going 205 too I believe. If not 3-1, on to the next!
— Boxing/MMA History (@BoxinMMAHistory) April 13, 2023
A question on everyone’s mind:
He should get title shot at 205 immediately right?
— NYC (@Kenken38bby) April 13, 2023
Meanwhile one fan shares an interesting proposition:
Give him Jan, Anthony Smith or Aleksandra.
— Alex (@GreatRajsel) April 13, 2023
Another fan said:
The top contenders at 205… pic.twitter.com/QqNUbw6BRV
— AFeldmanMMA (@afeldMMA) April 13, 2023
Whist a fan said:
the hunt continues 🗿🏹🏆 pic.twitter.com/j55Bcpl6rB
— Dylan (@DylansMMA) April 13, 2023
Who do you think will fight Alex Pereira next?
