UFC light heavyweight champion Alexandre Pereira intends to take “a little break” after two title defenses in less than three months, but still plans to fight again this year.
Pereira has been the UFC’s standout storyline so far in 2024 after taking over the headline act at short notice UFC 300 in April and UFC 303 in June. He defeated Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka, respectively, in those fights.
Initially, Pereira, 37, teased another quick turnaround, potentially even for UFC 305 on August 17 in Perth, Australia. After some reflection and a closer look at his schedule, however, Pereira said he doesn’t see himself returning to the cage before December.
“When I return it won’t be now – I want to rest a little”, said Pereira in his Youtube channel. “Evolve my training. But I think December would be a good date for me. November or December. I don’t want to go back before November. I want to rest and evolve.
“I have work I need to do, so the dates are a little tight. In October I have many commitments. So if I fight in November it will make things a little more complicated. I would have to fulfill my commitments and train a little in October. Focus more on training in November, to fight in December. So I think December would be the best date for me.”
The UFC has not announced the date for the December pay-per-view event, but in recent years it has taken place in the middle of the month at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
If Pereira, #1 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie pound-for-pound ratingsfulfills his wish to return at the end of 2024, he said his focus is to remain in the light heavyweight division.
The Brazilian is firmly attached to the idea of moving up to the heavyweight division in search of a third division title after his victory at UFC 303, but Pereira said it is not something he is actively pursuing.
Pereira said he would move up to heavyweight if the current stalemate at the top of the division was resolved and he could fight for the undisputed title immediately, but that won’t happen when he wants to return to the Octagon.
This has Pereira looking at his current crop of 205-pound competitors. He acknowledged that there is interest in defending the title against #4 ranked Magomed Ankalaev, and while Pereira will accept that fight, he said, he is leaving all decisions to UFC bosses.
“My focus is to defend my belt – no matter who,” said Pereira. “A lot of people say Ankalaev – that’s who they’re talking about now. People are focused on him. But I’m training well, not just for him. But for anyone. It’s a good fight for me to fight. I will be well prepared for him, or anyone.”
