Alex Pereira calls Oleksandr Usyk: “I’m the champion, I want to fight the champion”
UFC superstar Alex Pereira has made headlines by naming Oleksandr Usyk as his preferred opponent in a potential boxing crossover fight. With both fighters achieving championship status in multiple weight classes, a showdown between these two combat sports legends could be one of the most exciting matchups in recent history. Could this fight surpass the hype of Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather or Francis Ngannou vs. Tyson Fury?
Oleksandr Usyk: the Two-Division Boxing Champion
Oleksandr Usyk has cemented his legacy as one of the most accomplished boxers of his generation. The Ukrainian star first dominated the cruiserweight division, becoming the undisputed champion by holding all four major belts (WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO). He then moved up to heavyweight, where he shocked the world by defeating Anthony Joshua and unifying the division once again.
Usyk is one of only three fighters in history—alongside Evander Holyfield and David Haye—to achieve undisputed status in two different weight classes. His elite boxing skills, incredible footwork, and defensive mastery make him a nightmare for any opponent. With an upcoming fight against Tyson Fury for the undisputed heavyweight title, Usyk is focused on his division, but Pereira’s challenge could open the door to an unprecedented crossover bout.
Alex Pereira: UFC and Kickboxing Champion looking for a New Challenge
While Usyk dominates the boxing world, Alex Pereira has built an equally impressive career in MMA and kickboxing. The Brazilian fighter is a two-division champion in both UFC and Glory Kickboxing, proving his elite status across multiple combat sports.
Known for his knockout power, Pereira has finished top UFC contenders with his devastating striking ability. His transition from kickboxing to mixed martial arts (MMA) has been nothing short of spectacular, making him one of the most feared strikers in the sport. Now, he’s looking to step into the boxing ring, and he has his sights set on the best—Oleksandr Usyk.
Could Pereira vs. Usyk rival McGregor vs. Mayweather or Ngannou vs. Fury?
Crossover fights between MMA and boxing stars have become blockbuster events, attracting millions of viewers worldwide. The most famous example is Conor McGregor vs. Floyd Mayweather, which generated over $600 million in revenue. More recently, Francis Ngannou shocked the boxing world by knocking down Tyson Fury in his debut, proving that elite MMA fighters can compete with top boxers.
A fight between Alex Pereira and Oleksandr Usyk could follow this trend, delivering a high-stakes battle between champions from different combat sports. Unlike McGregor, who relied mainly on MMA striking, Pereira has an extensive background in professional kickboxing, giving him a more realistic chance of success in a boxing match. On the other hand, Usyk’s technical skills and experience could expose the weaknesses of an MMA fighter transitioning to the ring.
Will This Super Fight Become a Reality?
For Alex Pereira vs. Oleksandr Usyk to happen, several factors need to be considered. The biggest challenge is weight class differences—Usyk competes in heavyweight, while Pereira fights at light heavyweight (205 lbs.) in MMA. However, Pereira has fought at higher weights before, and his powerful striking could make him a legitimate threat, even against a bigger opponent.
Another key factor is the financial and promotional aspect. If fans show strong interest, major organizations like UFC, Top Rank, and Matchroom Boxing could collaborate to make this dream fight a reality. With the rise of crossover fights, a showdown between two dominant champions like Pereira and Usyk could generate record-breaking pay-per-view sales.
In conclusion, if this fight materializes, it could be one of the biggest events in combat sports history. With Pereira’s knockout power and Usyk’s technical mastery, the clash between these two elite fighters would captivate fans worldwide, potentially rivaling some of the greatest crossover fights ever seen.
