Alex Pereira has secured his future with the UFC in a major way.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show on Monday, the former two-division champion revealed that he has signed a new eight-fight deal with the promotion. The announcement comes as Pereira (13-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) prepares for a historic move up to heavyweight.
Pereira recently vacated his light heavyweight title and is set to face Ciryl Gane (13-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) for the interim heavyweight championship at UFC Freedom 250, scheduled for June 14 at the White House. If victorious, “Poatan” would become the first fighter in UFC history to win titles across three different weight classes, having already held belts at middleweight and light heavyweight.
Discussing the new contract, Pereira expressed strong satisfaction with the terms and gratitude toward UFC leadership.
“They gave me a new contract. I'm really, really happy with my new contract,” Pereira said. “I actually want to thank Mick (Maynard), Hunter (Campbell) and Dana White for it. So with this new deal that they gave to me, I don't care about letting go of the belt or anything like that.”
He continued by emphasizing how well he feels he has been treated under the new agreement.
“The way that they gave me this last contract was so good that I let it open for them to do whatever they want. It doesn't matter,” he said. “Absolutely.”
Pereira confirmed the deal spans eight fights, beginning with his upcoming heavyweight debut on June 14.
“How many fights? Eight fights. And this would be the first. June 14th is one? Yes.”
With a long-term contract secured and a chance to make UFC history ahead of him, Pereira now turns his focus to Gane and the opportunity to cement his legacy in unprecedented fashion.
