Alex Pereira is aiming to move up to a second UFC weight class in 2026.
Since reclaiming the UFC light heavyweight title in October by knocking out Magomed Ankalaev, Pereira, affectionately known as “Poitin,” has openly shared his intention to compete as a heavyweight next year. Rather than pursuing UFC history by becoming a three-division champion, Pereira has called out Jon Jones for a potential superfight at the White House. However, his move to heavyweight lacks support from current fighters in the division, including Jones and reigning heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.
In a recent fan poll by Bloody Elbow, most fans favored Tom Aspinall over Pereira as the ideal opponent for Jon Jones’ return, with Aspinall receiving 44.14% of votes compared to Pereira’s 26.48%.
Notably, Curtis Blaydes, ranked fourth in the heavyweight division, is opposed to Pereira’s jump up. In an interview, Blaydes voiced concerns that Pereira’s arrival would disrupt the division and suggested that moving up weight classes should only happen after a fighter has dominated their current division, as Israel Adesanya did. Blaydes also noted Pereira’s age and long career in martial arts, suggesting there might be pressure for Pereira to capitalize on his value before his physical prime diminishes.
Additionally, UFC president Dana White appears unlikely to support Pereira’s heavyweight ambitions. Despite both Pereira and Jones expressing interest in meeting in the Octagon at a White House event in 2026, White has rejected Jones’ calls for reinstatement, citing reliability issues. If White maintains this stance, it’s uncertain whether Pereira will seek a heavyweight title shot or focus on defending his current light heavyweight belt against Carlos Ulberg.
Fan Take: This potential shift by Alex Pereira could shake up the UFC divisions and create exciting new matchups. However, resistance from fighters and leadership highlights the challenges of weight class moves, reflecting how complex navigating UFC politics and fan expectations can be for top athletes.
