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Heavyweight challenge? Alex Pereira calls it “a bit difficult” and keeps cool
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- Heavyweight challenge? Alex Pereira calls it “a bit difficult” and keeps cool
Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images
Alex Pereira is aiming to make history in June by becoming the first UFC fighter to win titles across three different weight classes.
After giving up his light heavyweight title to move up a division, Pereira doesn't appear interested in dropping back down anytime soon.
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There's been some talk that facing Ciryl Gane for the interim belt at the White House might not have been the best call for him.
But 'Poatan' knows exactly what he's walking into and isn't fazed by any of the outside noise around his decision.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images
Alex Pereira says fans will notice his physical changes 'very soon' as he prepares for heavyweight
Some supporters have raised concerns that Pereira might lose a step by adding the weight needed to compete in the division.
Jon Jones, who vacated his light heavyweight title back in 2020, took a long layoff to get ready for his own move up. He didn't return until three years later.
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Pereira isn't following the same extended timeline, but he's not worried about where he stands physically just yet. Although he admitted it hasn't been easy, describing it as "a bit difficult," he remains confident in his progress.
"I'm heavy and have a little bit of a belly right now. Very soon you'll see the transformation," he said in a YouTube video documenting his preparations. "I'm gonna look like a machine."
Pereira's team hasn't started their full training camp for June 14 yet, instead running an early session to begin adjusting him to the new weight class.
The Brazilian joked with coach Glover Teixeira that if this were another light heavyweight fight, they'd be concerned at this stage, but moving up makes things different.
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Pereira does catch a break with Gane's fighting style. The Frenchman isn't among the division's biggest heavyweights and typically doesn't rely on size or grappling strength to win fights.
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