Alex Pereira Drops Big News About His New UFC Contract

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Alex Pereira Announces New UFC Contract

Alex Pereira has signed a new deal with the UFC. The former two-division champion shared the news and confirmed he signed an eight-fight extension.

Pereira, 38, has become one of the biggest stars in the UFC since making his debut in 2021. He built a strong reputation through his Glory Kickboxing career, where he was a two-division champion. The Brazilian has achieved plenty of success in such a short period, and is aiming to make history by becoming the first three-division UFC champion.

Pereira noted that he will earn a significant raise under his new contract, which makes the eight-fight extension worthwhile. He has been among one of the most active fighters on the roster, so completing the full deal is not far-fetched. ‘Poatan’ fought twice last year and three times in 2024.

Pereira is scheduled to face Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250 on Jun. 14. Depending on what unfolds, it is likely that he will fight at least once more before the end of the year.

Alex Pereira Says He is Happy with New UFC Contract

Alex Pereira revealed that he is very happy with his new UFC contract.

While eight fights may seem like a lot for a 38-year-old to commit to, there are several exciting matchups available. During his appearance on The Ariel Helwani Show, Pereira confirmed the news regarding his contract.

‘Poatan’ said that he was not even bothered about having to vacate the light heavyweight title before moving up. He had reclaimed it last October and will not enter his bout with Gane holding a title.

“Honestly, I just wanted to let go of my belt and fight heavyweights,” Pereira said. “Maybe even fight for a belt. Whether it was interim Alex Pereira Drops Big News About His New UFC Contract or even a regular fight, I just expressed myself that I wanted to do a heavyweight fight, and [the UFC] really took good care of me.”

He added:

“The way that they gave me this last contract was so good that I left it open for them to do whatever they wanted. It doesn’t matter,” he said. “Absolutely, [it exceeded my expectation]. [The deal is for] eight fights.”

Pereira Plans to Remain at Heavyweight After Signing New UFC Contract

Pereira also revealed that he intends to remain at heavyweight after signing his new UFC contract extension. ‘Poatan’ will not have to worry about cutting weight at heavyweight, which can extend his career.

The Brazilian was known for significant weight cuts to middleweight. Even after moving up to 205 pounds, ‘Poantan’ still cut a fair amount of weight.

Now at heavyweight, Pereira can now focus on his strategy and improving his overall skillset. While he believes he can still make 205 pounds, he envisions ending his career at heavyweight.

“I could make light heavyweight again, but I don’t think there’s anything new for me there,” Pereira told The Ariel Helwani Show. “Many guys just go on the heat of the moment, they jump a weight class and when they lose, no. I’ve been expressing for a long time that I’ve been wanting to fight at heavyweight. So, I think I’ll probably stay here.”

Giancarlo Aulino Giancarlo Aulino is sports writer who covers UFC for Heavy.com. He began writing for Heavy in 2025 after providing MMA coverage for Sportskeeda. Giancarlo is an experienced journalist and interviewer, having covered soccer clubs Toronto FC and Inter Toronto FC as a full-season reporter, and also producing sports coverage for Toronto radio station VIBE 105.5FM.
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