TLDR
- Alex Pereira wants to move to heavyweight in 2026 to become UFC’s first three-weight champion
- His top target is Jon Jones at the UFC White House card next summer
- Alternative plan is fighting for the heavyweight title, currently held by Tom Aspinall
- Pereira reclaimed his light heavyweight championship by knocking out Magomed Ankalaev in October
- The 38-year-old Brazilian says the decision is not in his control and he’s waiting like everyone else
Alex Pereira has confirmed his plans to move up to heavyweight in 2026. The UFC light heavyweight champion wants to make history as the promotion’s first three-weight world champion.
The 38-year-old Brazilian recently appeared on the TV show Omelete. He discussed his future plans and revealed two specific fights that interest him.
“I want to fight at heavyweight, but I don’t know,” Pereira said. “I mentioned the White House against Jon Jones.”
Pereira reclaimed his light heavyweight title in October. He knocked out Magomed Ankalaev in their rematch at UFC 320.
Since his UFC debut in 2021, Pereira has won 12 fights in the organization. Seven of those victories came against former champions or future titleholders.
He has already held championships at middleweight and light heavyweight twice. A heavyweight title would make him the first fighter in UFC history to win belts in three different weight classes.
Pereira’s Two Options for Heavyweight Debut
The first option is a superfight with Jon Jones at the UFC White House event. This card is expected to take place next summer.
Jones recently came out of retirement specifically for the White House event. He has been asking UFC president Dana White to bring him back.
White has reportedly been reluctant to trust Jones. This stems from the situation involving Jones avoiding a fight with Tom Aspinall.
The second option is fighting for the heavyweight championship. Tom Aspinall currently holds the title.
Aspinall suffered serious eye injuries during his October fight with Ciryl Gane at UFC 321. He was poked in both eyes during the bout.
The English fighter said he cannot train yet. He has not considered a return timeline.
Current Situation and Timeline
Pereira acknowledged the uncertainty around his heavyweight plans. “It’s not in my control,” he said.
“I have my desires, but I’m also just waiting like everyone else,” the champion added. He emphasized that he has expressed his interest but must wait for decisions from UFC leadership.
The Brazilian is 38 years old. This makes 2026 a crucial year for any heavyweight move while he’s still near his prime.
Pereira has been an active champion across multiple weight classes. He has fought through injuries and accepted short-notice fights to headline UFC cards.
Some observers suggest Pereira could face Ciryl Gane for an interim heavyweight title early in 2026. The winner would then fight Aspinall when he recovers from his eye injuries.
Whether Pereira fights Jones at the White House or competes for the heavyweight title remains unclear. The champion confirmed he wants to move up in weight but waits for the UFC to make those fights happen.
