Brazilian MMA fighter Alex Pereira currently reigns as the UFC light heavyweight champion. Within just three years of his promotional debut, ‘Poatan’ has established himself as a standout. Interestingly, after Dana White’s announcement about venturing into boxing, Pereira has also confirmed his interest in exploring that field again.
The UFC light heavyweight champion recently had a conversation with The Schmo. He was asked about his interest in entering boxing, especially since White confirmed his upcoming boxing venture. Alex Pereira’s excitement was evident as he discussed the possibility of donning the larger gloves. Moreover, ‘Poatan’ is optimistic that this collaboration with boxing will be a good thing in the future.
I will express my will to go boxing one day. I think this partnership of the UFC going into boxing is a very good thing for the sport. Many fighters say that MMA fighters can not go toe-to-toe with boxers, I believe that not only me but many other fighters could do that too…
Alex Pereira via The Schmo
Alex Pereira also asserted that he would fight in the heavyweight. Interestingly, Poatan is a kickboxing veteran. Amidst his kickboxing stench, Pereira made his professional boxing debut as well. He fought against a fellow Brazilian boxer, Marcelo de Souza Cruz, back in 2017.
Although Pereira won that fight, he didn’t pursue his boxing career further. Interestingly, a few months back, the UFC champ did receive an invitation to clash against a budding boxer.YouTuber turned boxer Jake Paul was seemingly interested in fighting the UFC light heavyweight champion. As such, following his victory against Mike Perry, Paul even called him out to fight.
Alex Pereira says he’d be interested in boxing one day, and when asked what weight class he’d fight at he says heavyweight 🥊
“Many boxers say that MMA fighters cannot go toe to toe with boxing, [I] believe that not only [me] but many other fighters could do that to.”
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 27, 2024
Initially, UFC CEO Dana White scoffed at that idea. Following White’s recent boxing announcement, many might speculate the Pereira vs. Paul matchup is a possibility. In the meantime, the UFC CEO has seemingly dismissed the idea of letting go of his MMA fighters to try their hands at his boxing venture.
Dana White confirms restriction of UFC fighters in his new boxing venture
Over his illustrious UFC career, Alex Pereira has dismissed many formidable opponents, mostly by displaying exquisite striking prowess. Following that, several prominent fighters in the community have heaped his praises. As such, some even gave him a green light to try his hands at other combat sports ventures. With Dana White’s new endeavor, Pereira’s wish to box might be fulfilled.
Dana White confirms putting restrictions on UFC fighters to try their hands in his new boxing venture (Image via The NY Times/IMAGO)The UFC CEO previously promoted the infamous boxing match between Conor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather. However, he ceased his operations after that. Recently, he has expressed interest in exploring that field again.
With new developments, things have gotten interesting. Nonetheless, the UFC CEO has firmly ruled out the possibility of allowing his MMA fighters to box in his new venture. As such, White stated that both promotions would be completely separate from each other.
God, I hope not. Yeah no. Completely separate.
Dana White via DWCS 73 presser
🚨NEW: Dana White says ‘NO’ UFC fighters allowed in his new boxing promotion‼️🙅♂️
“God, I hope not. Yeah, no.”#UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/ossCw3kAjw
— Parry Punch (@ParryPunchNews) September 25, 2024
Pereira’s boxing aspirations might have only one way out after this; he might have to leave the UFC to pursue them. Interestingly, the UFC CEO aims to bring a similar business model to the boxing venture as well. That being said, it remains to be seen how it turns out. Moreover, it will also be interesting to see if Alex Pereira will be involved.
