TLDR
- Alex Pereira denied rumors about leaving UFC or switching to boxing following his loss to Ciryl Gane
- Pereira lost to Gane by second-round TKO at UFC Freedom 250 in June during his heavyweight debut
- The fighter wants to become the first UFC champion to win titles in three different weight divisions
- Pereira signed an eight-fight deal with UFC earlier this year and vacated his light heavyweight belt
- He confirmed plans to return to the octagon in November and will stay at heavyweight
Sources: middleeasy.com | indulgexpress.com
Alex Pereira is not walking away from the UFC. The 38-year-old fighter shut down rumors about retirement and a potential switch to boxing during a recent fan Q&A session.
The speculation started after Pereira’s heavyweight debut ended badly at UFC Freedom 250 in June. Ciryl Gane stopped him with a second-round TKO, marking a tough start to his move up in weight.
😬👀Alex Pereira believes his dream of competing in professional boxing may never happen, as he still has seven fights left on his UFC deal at 39 years old.
[ via: fredtalksfighting] pic.twitter.com/4ioGgWyklb
— FREAK.MMA (@FREAKMMA1) October 8, 2026
Pereira criticized the officiating after the loss. His age and the defeat led many to wonder if he might retire or pursue boxing opportunities instead.
Pereira’s Unfinished Mission
Pereira told fans he has one goal left in mixed martial arts. He wants to become the first fighter in UFC history to win championship belts in three different weight divisions.
The Brazilian has already won titles at middleweight and light heavyweight. A heavyweight championship would complete his historic achievement.
Pereira signed a new eight-fight contract with the UFC earlier this year. He vacated his light heavyweight title to move up to the heavyweight division permanently.
The fighter said he is happy with what he has accomplished so far. But he made it clear he is not ready to leave until he reaches his three-division goal.
Pereira also stated he will fight whoever the UFC puts in front of him. He is not waiting for a specific opponent or perfect matchup.
Boxing Remains a Future Possibility
Pereira has talked about boxing multiple times over the years. He has a kickboxing background that includes two Glory championships and a Hall of Fame induction.
The fighter has indicated he plans to box later in his career. However, he wants to complete his MMA goals first before making the switch.
Crossover boxing offers have been presented to Pereira in the past. But for now, he remains focused on climbing back into the UFC heavyweight title picture.
Pereira confirmed he plans to return to the octagon in November. The quick turnaround would give him a chance to bounce back from the Gane loss and rebuild his momentum in the heavyweight division.
A November fight would be his second appearance at heavyweight. Pereira has shown no interest in moving back down to light heavyweight or waiting on the sidelines for a title shot.
Pereira needs another win to put himself back in contention for the heavyweight championship. He has confirmed he will stay at heavyweight regardless of his next result.
