Middleweight champion Alex Pereira spoke about future fights for him in the UFC that could follow his rematch with Israel Adesanya. Since claiming UFC gold at UFC 281 ‘Poatan’ has been the talk of the community and many matchups have been mentioned and rumoured across the 185lb and 205lb divisions.
Potential Fight With Chimaev
Swedish sensation Khamzat Chimaev has not stepped into the octagon since his antics back in September where he missed the welterweight limit by 7.5 pounds. Now there is speculation about which division Chimaev will return to. ‘Borz’ has been calling out fighters from all 3 of the 170lb, 185lb and 205lb divisions. Alongside the main event this weekend former 205lb champ Jiri Prochazka has been called out by the Chechen. However, the rumours are that heavy hitting contender Paulo Costa will be next for the superstar.
This is what Pereira had to say about a potential match up with Chimaev.
“Whoever the UFC puts against me after this fight, I’ll be willing and ready,” Alex Pereira said at UFC 287’s media day. “Talking about [Paulo Costa] ‘Borrachinha’ and [Robert] Whittaker, I respect them. I don’t see them talking trash at me, wanting to promote themselves. Chimaev ran from everybody.” Quotes via BJPenn.com
Top contender Robert Whittaker is relishing a shot at his old belt after this weekend. Pereira respects Whittaker so if he retains the belt in Miami his second defence could well be against the Australian. The other man mentioned Paulo Costa has not returned to action since his slugfest with Luke Rockhold in Utah. Additionally, the light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill or former champ Jiri Prochazka could be opponents late in the year if Pereira moves up.
If he is successful in the rematch this weekend, who would be the best opponent next for Alex ‘Poatan’ Pereira?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
