Alex Pereira Jumps at the Opportunity
The potential for crossover between combat sports took a significant leap forward when UFC CEO Dana White inked a groundbreaking deal with Saudi Arabia’s combat sports promoter Turki Alalshikh. This new venture, which involves TKO Group Holdings, has reignited interest in fighters like Alex Pereira, who is eyeing a boxing match against heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Pereira, known as "Poatan," is set to defend his UFC light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev in Las Vegas on Saturday. Despite his immediate focus, the Brazilian fighter expressed his elation over the potential boxing opportunity during the UFC 313 media day.
A Dream Match in the Making
"I jumped for joy when I saw the announcement," Pereira said in Portuguese. "Maybe September. Saudi Arabia." The timing and location are still speculative, but the excitement is palpable. Pereira and Usyk have shown mutual interest in the match, and now the stage is set for their organizations to determine if it becomes a reality. Pereira, who is known for his striking prowess, has long been an admirer of boxing. His interest in challenging Usyk is a testament to his versatility and ambition as a combat sports athlete.
Lessons from the Past
The UFC has only once before ventured into the boxing world, when Conor McGregor, a two-division UFC champion at the time, faced Floyd Mayweather in a high-profile boxing match. McGregor lost by stoppage in the 10th round, but the fight was a commercial success, garnering 4.3 million domestic pay-per-view buys and generating hundreds of millions in profits. Dana White, however, has been cautious about the idea of UFC fighters crossing over, even remarking, "I literally don’t want to see any of that," during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. This stance is reminiscent of his earlier dismissal of the McGregor-Mayweather fight, which ultimately came to fruition and broke records.
The Appeal of Usyk
The added allure of a potential fight with Usyk lies in his current status as the reigning heavyweight champion, a marked difference from Mayweather, who was retired for nearly two years before facing McGregor. Pereira acknowledges the challenge but is undeterred. "It’s hard to answer," he said when asked about the potential commercial success of a Usyk-Pereira match. "We know of the popularity of those two, and I’m coming. I’m on my path, I’m coming, but I still think I’m one step behind them in terms of media, so I don’t know how it would be." Despite the uncertainty, Pereira remains optimistic and is open to the idea of making history.
The Face of the UFC
Pereira’s success both inside and outside the octagon has positioned him as a rising star in the UFC. When asked if he considers himself the face of the promotion, Pereira responded, "I think so. I’m a very active fighter, last year was a very successful year, so I think my name is being talked about, I’m on the media with good results, so I believe [I am the face of the UFC]." His recent performances and media presence have bolstered his case, making him a valuable asset for the UFC and a potential draw for the boxing world.
Keeping His Options Open
While Pereira is fully committed to his upcoming title defense against Ankalaev, he is not closing the door on future opportunities. "I want to defend my belt, that’s my focus, but we definitely have options," he said. "A fight with Dricus [Du Plessis at 205 pounds] or Jon Jones at heavyweight, or boxing Usyk. These are things that are in my mind, and I think these three options are possible." Pereira’s open-minded approach reflects his dedication to his career and his willingness to explore new ventures. "It doesn’t depend on me, I don’t have that control. Whatever the UFC says I have to do, I’ll do," he added, highlighting his respect for the organization’s decisions.
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