Pereira's Quest For Three Belts – Is It Necessary?

Alex Pereira could move up to heavyweight following his light heavyweight title rematch at UFC 320 against Magomed Ankalaev this weekend, but is it necessary?

Pereira lost their UFC 313 fight in March via a unanimous decision, losing his light heavyweight title in his first loss at the weight. While Alex managed to stuff down Anakalaev’s takedowns, he was unable to let his shots go. Alex has spoken confidently about the rematch, saying he will win, without the need for a trilogy.

That could pave the way for a move up to heavyweight, having previously been linked with a Jon Jones fight. Meanwhile, UFC Heavyweight Champion Tom Aspinall has said he would welcome Alex moving up, with the Brazilian having the chance to get a belt in a third weight class. Given Alex’s struggles to make light heavyweight, he could move up if he beats Ankalaev. 

"I really don’t know. We’ll have to see. Obviously, my body gets heavier. I don’t know how long I can cut to 205. We’re just going to have to see and take it fight by fight," Pereira said

The Implications

The move addresses the most persistent challenge in Pereira’s career: the grueling weight cut. Pereira has admitted that making 205 pounds is increasingly difficult as his body gets older and heavier. Moving to heavyweight allows him to fight at a more natural and healthy weight, potentially translating to better cardio and power in the later rounds.

Despite the allure of making history, the jump to heavyweight presents several severe risks, primarily centered on the physical disadvantage and stylistic matchups. Pereira, who has already shown a struggle to maintain output against a technical fighter like Magomed Ankalaev, would face opponents 40 to 50 pounds heavier. For example, fighting a massive wrestler like Curtis Blaydes or the champion, Tom Aspinall, poses an immediate grappling threat that Ankalaev failed to exploit.

If he moves up, Pereira risks his wrestling being exposed against bigger grapplers, transforming him from an elite striker into a fighter who is pinned and controlled. Furthermore, facing the division’s heavy hitters, such as Sergei Pavlovich, means he’d be taking knockout power from men with a much larger frame, increasing the chances of a highlight-reel knockout loss. However, if Pereira wants to make more history, he may have to move up.

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