“I'm very confident when I tell you that Alex Pereira will be at the tournament in the White House. The question is, against whom? Pereira is the light heavyweight world champion, but there are no talks about a fight between Alex and Carlos Ulberg. In the 93 kg category, there is no one else who makes sense. That’s why I think Pereira will fight in the heavyweight division at the tournament in the White House. I also think he will face Ciryl Gane.
If Pereira is going to move to heavyweight, then he must become a heavyweight. I don’t think Pereira will disagree with me. I think he will have no problems returning the belt in the 93 kg category. I think it’s great. But if Pereira and Ciryl fight, the belt should be at stake. The fight should be scheduled for five rounds. Pereira is the world champion. If the world champion fights, the championship title should be at stake. It could be an interim belt,” MMA Junkie quotes Sonnen’s words.