Alex Pereira's Heavyweight Switch: A Look At 5 Likely First Fights

James

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Post on Jul 20, 2025

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Alex Pereira's Heavyweight Switch: A Look at 5 Likely First Fights

Alex Pereira's shocking move to heavyweight has sent shockwaves through the MMA world. The former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion, known for his devastating power and brutal knockout artistry, is now eyeing a new challenge in the heavyweight division. But who will be his first opponent in this daunting new landscape? Let's delve into five likely candidates for Pereira's heavyweight debut.

The Heavyweight Hurdles: A New Challenge for Poatan

Pereira, nicknamed "Poatan," faces a significant size and strength advantage against his future opponents. His lightning-fast striking, which proved so effective at middleweight and light heavyweight, will be tested against the behemoths of the heavyweight division. His transition requires careful consideration of opponents who offer a compelling matchup while minimizing the risk of a potentially career-altering defeat.

5 Potential First Fights for Alex Pereira at Heavyweight:

1. Jan Błachowicz: A former light heavyweight champion, Błachowicz's move to heavyweight offers a familiar foe for Pereira. Both fighters possess powerful striking, creating a potential "striker vs. striker" spectacle that fans would eagerly anticipate. The familiarity could ease Pereira's transition, offering a less daunting introduction to the heavyweight division. The fight presents a compelling narrative: a rematch of sorts, but with vastly different stakes.

2. Glover Teixeira: Another former light heavyweight champion, Teixeira presents a similar, albeit slightly more physically imposing, challenge. His grappling expertise would test Pereira's takedown defense – a crucial aspect he'll need to improve at heavyweight. This matchup would showcase a thrilling blend of striking and grappling, potentially setting the stage for a captivating main event.

3. Anthony Smith: Smith's durability and experience in the light heavyweight division make him a credible opponent for Pereira's heavyweight debut. Smith's aggressive style could offer a high-octane fight, potentially showcasing Pereira's adaptability to the larger frame of his opponents. The fight would test Pereira’s durability against a durable, experienced fighter.

4. Nikita Krylov: Krylov, a powerful striker with a solid ground game, could offer a challenging yet manageable first opponent for Pereira. Krylov’s unpredictable style could make for an exciting contest, while also presenting opportunities for Pereira to display his improved wrestling defense. The stylistic clash would be engaging for both casual and hardcore MMA fans.

5. A Contender from the Contender Series: The UFC's Dana White's Contender Series provides a steady stream of promising heavyweight prospects. Matching Pereira with a rising star could be a smart strategy. It offers the opportunity to introduce him to the division without immediately throwing him to the wolves, while simultaneously giving a relatively unknown fighter a massive boost in profile. This option represents a strategic calculated risk.

What to Expect from Pereira's Heavyweight Career?

Pereira's journey to heavyweight is fraught with uncertainty, but also brimming with potential. His power and precision remain undeniable assets, even against significantly larger opponents. However, his takedown defense and overall durability will be severely tested. His choice of first opponent will be crucial in determining his early success and shaping the trajectory of his heavyweight career. The UFC will need to carefully select his initial matchups, balancing the need for a compelling fight with the desire to protect their newest star.

Conclusion: The anticipation surrounding Pereira's heavyweight debut is palpable. Which of these five fighters will ultimately face him remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the world of heavyweight MMA is about to get a whole lot more exciting. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below who you think should face Alex Pereira next!