It’s Either Win Or Bust For Pereira

Alex Pereira (13-4) says his heavyweight future depends on the outcome of his upcoming fight against Sergei Pavlovich (21-3) on December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

The former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion moved up to heavyweight earlier this year in pursuit of becoming the first fighter in UFC history to win titles across three weight classes. However, Ciryl Gane inflicted a setback on those ambitions when the French fighter knocked him out in the second round on June 14 at The White House.

Pereira, 39, now faces another dangerous opponent in Pavlovich, with a victory potentially putting him back in contention for a heavyweight title opportunity in 2027. However, a second consecutive defeat could prompt a return to the 205-pound division, he said.

“The plan is to stay at heavyweight, but you never know,” Pereira said. “If it doesn’t work, I’m not gonna be the guy trying to go too much with these heavyweights if I have a different option.”

Pereira previously relinquished his light heavyweight championship to pursue heavyweight gold, but his next performance could determine whether that pursuit continues.

Pereira and Pavlovich are the co-main event at UFC 335 — the UFC’s final numbered event of 2026. Charles Oliveira headlines the event, putting his BMF title on the line against Diego Lopes at lightweight.