Pereira will not return to light heavyweight: "Giving up the belt no longer matters"

Dmitriy Kel March 17, 2026, 5:03 a.m.

Alex Pereira has no plans to return to light heavyweight after relinquishing the championship belt and moving to the heavyweight division. The Brazilian knockout artist signed a long-term agreement with the promotion for eight fights, which underscores the organization's confidence in his potential at the new level.

Pereira explained his decision by saying that there are no longer any significant challenges and peaks for him in the 205-pound division.

In a conversation with renowned journalist Ariel Helwani, the fighter expressed satisfaction with the terms of the new contract. "They really took great care of me," Pereira noted. "The terms are so favorable that I fully trust them in making all the decisions. Giving up the belt no longer matters to me."

The first fight under the updated agreement will take place on June 14 as part of the historic UFC Freedom 250 tournament, which will be held on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington. "Poatan" will face Frenchman Ciryl Gane in a fight for the interim heavyweight championship title.

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