Alex Pereira expects the UFC to be on board with the thought of reserving a large boxing match towards lineal heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk within the close to future.
“Poatan”, who’s at present slated to defend his UFC gentle heavyweight belt towards Magomed Ankalaev in the primary occasion of UFC 313 on March 8, mentioned throughout a current interview with that he’s open to the thought, particularly after listening to Usyk say he would really like a “present combat” towards the Brazilian.
“I’ve mentioned that earlier than, that I would like to do a boxing match,” Pereira mentioned in Portuguese with Mark Bouris in Sydney. “And was requested towards who. Since I’m the champion, I mentioned it must be towards a champion, and he’s the champion. And now he’s given an interview and talked about my title.
“That’s one thing I need, and he additionally desires it, and each organizations, boxing and the UFC, are working type of collectively now, so I consider this combat can occur.”
Pereira had a meteoric rise within the UFC, capturing two belts with a complete of seven knockout victories in 9 octagon appearances. “Poatan” defends his UFC title subsequent after a trio of finishes over Khalil Rountree, Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill in 2024.
Usyk, who’s 23-0 as a boxer with 14 knockouts, made historical past in 2024 with back-to-back wins over boxing nice Tyson Fury. The 38-year-old boxer has additionally overwhelmed the likes of Daniel Dubois, Anthony Joshua and Derek Chisora all through his legendary profession.
