Fresh off reclaiming the UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 320, Alex Pereira is already plotting a historic move. The Brazilian striker has declared his intention to challenge for the UFC heavyweight championship next, with the ultimate goal of becoming a rare three-weight UFC champion.
“My goal is to make history. Light heavyweight, heavyweight… maybe more,” Pereira said in a recent interview, confirming his ambition. When asked about a potential opponent, the name was unmistakable: Jon Jones. “Jones is the biggest challenge. He is the legend, and to be the best, you have to face the best.”
The “Bones” Roadblock: A Complicated Path
A fight with Jon Jones represents the pinnacle, but the path is fraught with complexity. Jones, a former two-division champion himself, has expressed interest in the matchup, even noting he analyses Pereira’s training videos online. “I watch his stuff. I see what he’s working on,” Jones commented recently.
However, UFC CEO Dana White has been non-committal. Jones vacated his heavyweight title earlier this year without a defence, and White has shown reluctance to fast-track his return, particularly for a proposed slot on the high-profile 2026 White House card. “We’ll see what happens,” White said regarding Jones’s future. “Right now, the division is moving.”
This uncertainty means Pereira must wait. He acknowledges the matchmaking is out of his hands. “I am ready, but the UFC makes the decisions. I will train and be prepared for whatever they decide,” he stated.
Another Contender Emerges: Khamzat Chimaev’s Callout
While the Jones fight simmers, another major name has entered the conversation. Undefeated middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev has publicly declared his plan to move up to 205lbs to challenge Pereira after defending his own title.
“After my next defence, I want Pereira,” Chimaev told ESPN. “He is a great champion, and that is a big fight for the fans and for me.” Chimaev’s callout adds another layer of intrigue to the light heavyweight landscape, offering Pereira a massive payday and a dangerous stylistic clash even if the Jones bout stalls.
The Unprecedented Quest for Three Belts
Pereira’s pursuit is audacious. Only a handful of fighters have ever held UFC titles in two weight classes. Capturing a third, especially by jumping from light heavyweight to the sport’s most punishing division, would be an unprecedented feat.
His confidence stems from a unique skillset. As a former GLORY kickboxing champion, Pereira possesses one-punch knockout power that translates across weight classes. His victories over established champions like Israel Adesanya and Jiri Prochazka prove he can overcome size disadvantages with precision and force.
For now, Pereira is the UFC light heavyweight champion with his sights set on the heavyweight throne. Whether the first man standing in his way is the legendary Jon Jones or the ferocious Khamzat Chimaev, ‘Poatan’ is preparing for a legacy-defining year.
