UFC color commentator Daniel Cormier weighed in this week on a major shakeup at the top of the promotion, reacting to the news that Alex Pereira has vacated his UFC light heavyweight championship.
UFC President Dana White confirmed the development days ago, announcing that former champion Jiri Prochazka (32-5-1 MMA, 6-2 UFC) will face surging contender Carlos Ulberg (13-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) for the now-vacant 205-pound title at UFC 327 in Miami on April 11.
Pereira’s decision to relinquish the belt has fueled speculation that the Brazilian star (13-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) is headed to heavyweight for a blockbuster showdown. Rumors have intensified that Pereira could meet former heavyweight champion Jon Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC) when the UFC stages a high-profile event at the White House on June 14. Jones confirmed over the past few days that he is in negotiations with the promotion regarding a potential appearance on that card.
Meanwhile, current heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall remains sidelined after suffering a severe eye poke from Ciryl Gane at UFC 321 last October. With Aspinall recovering, discussion has also centered around a possible interim heavyweight title bout between Pereira and Gane.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Cormier did not hide his excitement about the potential matchups, particularly the possibility of Jones vs. Pereira.
“I crossed my fingers and I wished that it is Jones vs. Pereira,” Cormier said. “But I also stay cautious in the idea that if it doesn't happen, it's someone else (who fights Pereira). And if it is someone else, It has to be Cyril Gane, right? Because who else? Who else could there be to fight Alex Pereira?”
Cormier emphasized the significance of Pereira’s move up in weight, noting the former two-division champion’s physical transformation.
“But big news, that's massive,” Cormier continued. “That's massive that he’s up (to heavyweight), that he's 245 pounds and that he vacated the championship. Because if he vacated that title, guys, I'm telling you, I believe that he's going to fight for the world title.”
If Pereira captures UFC gold at heavyweight, he would make promotional history as the first fighter to win championships in three different weight classes, adding another remarkable chapter to an already decorated career.
