UFC Light Heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is determined to move down a weight division. Initially, the Brazilian fighter hinted at a middleweight match and now he has outrightly called out Dricus Du Plessis. When “Stillknocks” successfully defended his middleweight title against Israel Adesanya, “Poatan” hinted at a move to middleweight on Instagram. Initially, several experts dismissed this and said that Pereira wasn’t serious. However, his recent Instagram post suggests otherwise.
Pereira is serious about moving down to middleweight
Judging by what “Poatan” wrote on Instagram, a clash between Alex Pereira and Dricus Du Plessis seems like a possibility at this point. “I am focused on my next fight and preparing for it, but you never know what can happen. So regardless of the result, I want to drop down one more time to middleweight and fight for the belt. Hey Dricus, bring your will to fight me so you can prove that you are better than me. With your public statement, it’s easy to make this happen. Chama,” wrote Pereira.
This sudden change in Pereira’s narrative has left many MMA fans surprised. Pereira is currently sitting at the top of the light heavyweight division and was looking to move up to the heavyweight division so that he could become the first ever three-division champion. However, if Pereira drops down to middleweight, it will be interesting to see what the path will be for him going forward. His moving down could also mean problems for the likes of Robert Whittaker and Khamzat Chimaev. After Du Plessis finishes his job with Sean Strickland, either Whittaker or Chimaev is expected to become the number one contender.
Poatan will defend his title for the third time this year
If Du Plessis retains his title against Sean Strickland, Pereira coming to the division could be a problem for both fighters. But Dricus Du Plessis still seems unconcerned, as he has asked “Poatan” to stay at light heavyweight so he can move up a weight class and fight Pereira.
Also Read: “Again? WTF…”- Sean O’Malley responds to Conor McGregor’s latest mockery
The Brazilian fighter has successfully defended his light heavyweight title two times this year against Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka and is now set to defend it for the third time. Pereira’s opponent is expected to be Khalil Rountree Jr. Despite the surprising selection, Pereira has to be cautious as Rountree Jr. is a strong striker.
