Alex Pereira is already looking ahead to his next challenge, even as he prepares for one of the biggest fights of his career this weekend.
Pereira (13-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC) is set to face Ciryl Gane (13-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) for the interim heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday, with the Brazilian aiming to become the first fighter in UFC history to capture championship belts in three different weight classes.
Leading into the event, there had been speculation that former heavyweight champion Jon Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC) could come out of retirement to face Pereira (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC), while others suggested a future showdown with undisputed heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. However, with Jones seemingly on the sidelines and Aspinall currently recovering from an eye injury, Gane will instead welcome “Poatan” to the heavyweight division at the White House-hosted card.
Speaking on The Ariel Helwani Show on Tuesday, Pereira made it clear that he has no intention of taking an extended break if he emerges victorious against Gane.
Asked whether Aspinall or Jones could be next, Pereira said he is focused on returning to action as quickly as possible.
“I don't know. I want to fight as soon as possible after these fights,” Pereira said. “Jon Jones? I don't know if he's training. He doesn't seem to be training. Aspinall? Maybe he's not going to be ready. Because any of those guys should be training right now because as soon as this fight finishes, I want to fight right after, as soon as possible.”
The former middleweight and light heavyweight champion suggested that the UFC's current business model could make it easier to quickly book another high-profile matchup.
“Let's say that I win next week and I don't get hurt and I'm injury free,” Pereira said. “I want to fight as soon as possible because right now we know that there's not the whole thing about building a fight because there's no more pay-per-views involved.”
Pereira then issued a warning to the heavyweight division, urging potential opponents to be ready should he successfully claim interim gold on Sunday.
“All the heavyweights, I'm being nice,” Pereira said. “I'm just letting you guys know, be prepared. Start training because as soon as I finish, if I win and I'm healthy, I'm going to push the UFC to put me to fight right away.”
