Former UFC middleweight champ Robert Whittaker has expressed his readiness to welcome Alex Pereira back to the light heavyweight division. Earlier this year, Whittaker moved up to 205 pounds and showcased his capability by knocking out Nikita Krylov at UFC 329. He is now set to compete against Bogdan Guskov at UFC Sydney in 2027.
During a recent interview with Submission Radio, Whittaker showed enthusiasm about the prospect of fighting Pereira if the Brazilian star moves back down to light heavyweight, where Pereira is a two-time champion. Whittaker stated, “It would be great [to fight Pereira]; I would love to welcome him back to light heavyweight; it would be fun.”
Alex Pereira vacated his light heavyweight title earlier this year to pursue three-division success by moving up to the heavyweight class. However, in his heavyweight debut, he suffered a knockout loss to Ciryl Gane. Pereira’s upcoming match at UFC 335 will be against Sergei Pavlovich, and if that fight does not go in his favor, the 39-year-old plans to return to 205 pounds, expecting a title shot upon his comeback.
In an interview with Connect Cast, Pereira admitted that he is naturally smaller than most heavyweights and doesn’t want to endure the disadvantage of size and weight. He said, “Everyone knows I’m not as heavy as those heavyweights. I’m not going to stay there taking a beating with that disadvantage… I’d go back to my division, where I was already well adapted. It would be [straight] for the [light heavyweight] belt.”
Fan Take: This potential matchup between Whittaker and Pereira holds significant excitement for MMA enthusiasts, as it pits two elite fighters with unfinished business against each other. A return to light heavyweight by Pereira could reshape the division’s landscape, reigniting fierce competition and keeping fans eagerly anticipating high-stakes bouts.
Source: www.lowkickmma.com
