The current light heavyweight champion of the UFC, Alex Pereira’s, plans to make a big comeback to the middleweight class in an attempt to win another championship. After winning and successfully defending the light heavyweight title, Pereira gained notoriety. He has now made it known that he plans to go down a weight class to take on the reigning middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis.
Pereira’s Bold Statement
Pereira, who won the UFC middleweight title in November 2022, experienced a setback when he lost the belt to Israel Adesanya in a rematch. Following the loss, Pereira advanced to the 205-pound class, where he won the light heavyweight title with ease. He is scheduled to defend his light heavyweight title against Khalil Rountree at UFC 307 on October 5, 2024. Despite this imminent fight, Pereira has made it clear that he intends to cut an additional 20 pounds to challenge du Plessis for the middleweight title.
“Though I’m prepared and focused on my next bout, anything can happen,” Pereira posted on social media to show his commitment. Regardless of the result, I want to contend for the title and return to the middleweight class.Hello Dricus, show me that you are stronger than me by bringing your fighting spirit to the table. It will be simple to do this given your recent public declaration. Chama.”
Du Plessis’ Response
Dricus du Plessis, who recently defended his middleweight title by submitting Adesanya at UFC 305 on August 17, has responded to Pereira’s challenge. At the post-fight press conference, du Plessis expressed skepticism about Pereira’s decision to return to 185 pounds. He suggested that Pereira’s weight cut might impact his performance, pointing to Pereira’s previous loss to Adesanya as evidence.
According to du Plessis, I genuinely don’t think Alex Pereira should go down to 185. It’s nice and perfect if he wants to. After that, though, we’ll hear the justifications. I watched Izzy flatten the dude in the opening round. Tonight, I could feel Izzy’s hitting force. Izzy has excellent timing, speed, length, and combos, but the power was felt by me.
Du Plessis also mentioned the difficulties Pereira would have, including the possibility of further justifications centered on weight loss. You don’t want to be in there with me if Izzy stiffens you like that, especially if you have to enter the room using the justification, “Oh, I cut too much weight.” That is what will occur. It is going to be said by everyone.
Pereira’s Middleweight Legacy
Alex Pereira’s decision to move back to middleweight is a bold one, considering his past success and the grueling weight cuts involved. Pereira originally became a sensation in the middleweight division, upsetting Adesanya in their first title fight despite being relatively new to the UFC.
After a series of successful bouts at 185 pounds, Pereira opted to move up to the light heavyweight division due to the physical toll of the weight cuts. His move was a strategic one, allowing him to achieve further success and make history as the ninth fighter to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously.
@AlexPereiraUFC you and you boyfriend @SStricklandMMA can have a domestic dispute on who gets slept first💤😴
— Dricus Du Plessis (@dricusduplessis) September 3, 2024Future of the UFC Middleweight Division
The future of the middleweight class in the UFC is still unknown as of right now. Although a rematch with Sean Strickland is expected, du Plessis’ next title defense has not yet been publicly confirmed by the UFC. Pereira is anxious to make a comeback and confront du Plessis. The idea that du Plessis would make his next fight in South Africa has been alluded to by UFC President Dana White, which could further engender curiosity in the division.
In summary, Alex Pereira’s plan to return to middleweight and challenge Dricus du Plessis is a significant storyline in the UFC. The potential matchup promises to be a thrilling clash of champions, with both fighters bringing their unique strengths to the octagon. As Pereira prepares for his light heavyweight title defense and du Plessis continues to solidify his reign, MMA fans eagerly await the next developments in this exciting narrative.
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