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Two-weight UFC champion Alex Pereira has blasted through MMA in just 12 fights, and now could be on track to make more history. The Brazilian had just four fights to his name in the cage when he made his UFC debut in 2021 after a successful kickboxing career. Eight fights on and he has won belts at middleweight and light-heavyweight, and wins over the likes of Israel Adesanya, Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill. But given his tremendous ability to gain weight after cutting to 185lb or 205lb, many believe that he should relieve himself of that struggle and move up to heavyweight. There, he would likely earn an immediate shot at undisputed champion Jon Jones or interim title holder Tom Aspinall. As recently as 13 months ago, Pereira was tipping the scales at 185lb in order to make weight for his second middleweight title defence against Adesanya. But he has since moved up to 205lb, although he rehydrates and gains a massive 27lb after tipping the scales. Pereira believes that to fight comfortably at heavyweight and still maintain his lethal speed that he would need to get to 108kg, which is around 238lb. It would represent a massive 53lb jump from when he faced Adesanya at 185lb just last year. "Venho treinando e evoluindo, e quanto mais tempo demorar, mais preparado vou ficar pro peso-pesado. Sou mais forte que pesado. Num período curto, consigo chegar no que eu quero, não quero ficar muito pesado também pra estar mais rápido. Acho que 108kg seria bom (nos pesados)" pic.twitter.com/aHLvvdqygf View Tweet Speaking at an event in Rio yesterday, Pereira said: "I've been training and evolving, and the longer it takes, the more prepared I'll be for heavyweight. I'm stronger than heavy. "In a short period, I can achieve what I want, I don't want to get too heavy to be faster. I think 108kg would be good." For Pereira to win gold at heavyweight, where the limit is 265lb, he would need to defeat one of either Jones or Aspinall. The American hasn't competed since March of last year when he won the belt, and seems keen on first facing two-time champion and all-time great Stipe Miocic. However, with Miocic returning from almost three years out and into his forties, many believe that the legitimate heavyweight champion is holding the interim belt in Aspinall. It appears, however, that the Brit is third on Jones' hitlist after Pereira. You actually think me fighting Tom would be more massive than Alex and I colliding? Tom only matters in the UK, newsflash. Pereira is one of the most polarizing figures this sport has seen. Toms a contender who won a belt against another contender. We had to save Madison Square… https://t.co/JatZed5UUO View Tweet In a tweet to fans yesterday, Jones explained: "Tom only matters in the UK, newsflash. Pereira is one of the most polarizing figures this sport has seen. Tom's a contender who won a belt against another contender. "We had to save Madison Square Gardens main event. I'm thinking dollar signs, legacy, big picture here. Not what UK fans are dying to see. Literally just went through this with the French fans." Regardless of all of this talk, Pereira is unlikely to be given an unprecedented chance at a third UFC title. Promoter Dana White is not too keen on regular moves between weight classes, and believes the Brazilian must defend his 205lb belt a few more times first. Speaking at the UFC 300 post-fight press conference, White said: "When you think about him moving up to heavyweight, you've got Jones, you've got Aspinall. The list goes on and in in that heavyweight division. "The heavyweight division is nasty. I don't know if that's the right move for him. He looked damn good in the division he's in. I think you might want to stick around there for a minute. But I don't know. These are all things we'll talk about for the next 15 Tuesdays, so we'll get it forged out." Related TopicsAlex Pereira plans to gain 53lb in pursuit of world heavyweight title fight
Jon Jones pushes for Alex Pereira fight ahead of Tom Aspinall showdown
Alex Pereira told he probably won't be moving to heavyweight by UFC boss Dana White
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