MMA

Pereira Challenges Du Plessis

Photo: Louis Grasse/Keystone Press Agency

UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira has thrown down the gauntlet to Middleweight titleholder Dricus du Plessis. 

"I’m focused on my next fight and I’m going prepared but you never know what can happen, so regardless of the result I want to go down one more time to the middleweight and go for the belt. 

Hey Dricus, bring your will to fight me so you can prove that you are better than me, with your public statement it is easy to make this happen," Pereira posted on social media.

Alex Pereira claimed the UFC Middleweight Championship in November 2022 by knocking out Israel Adesanya. However, the Brazilian fighter lost the belt in his next bout, suffering defeat in a rematch with the Nigerian, and subsequently moved up to the Light Heavyweight division. In November 2023, Pereira became the champion in his new weight class by defeating Czech fighter Jiri Prochazka. The 37-year-old Brazilian is set to make his next appearance in October at UFC 307, where he will face Khalil Rountree. Pereira's professional record stands at 11 wins and two losses.

Dricus du Plessis secured the Middleweight title in January with a split decision victory over Sean Strickland. The 30-year-old South African fighter successfully defended his belt in August, overcoming Adesanya with a submission hold. Throughout his MMA career, du Plessis has amassed 22 wins and two losses.

Find out more in the full version