Alex Pereira eyes boxing crossover fight against Oleksandr Usyk

Alex Pereira, the reigning UFC light-heavyweight champion, is setting his sights on an ambitious crossover into boxing, targeting a bout with heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Despite being under contract with the UFC, the Brazilian fighter is eager to test his striking skills against one of boxing’s elite competitors.

Pereira’s Rise to MMA Stardom

Since joining the UFC in 2021, Pereira has rapidly ascended to MMA superstardom. A former kickboxing world champion, he made a seamless transition to mixed martial arts, capturing UFC gold in just his fourth fight by defeating long-time rival Israel Adesanya at UFC 281. His dominance continued as he moved up to the light-heavyweight division, securing the vacant title with a stunning knockout victory over Jiri Prochazka.

With three successful title defenses, Pereira is preparing for his next challenge against Magomed Ankalaev in March. However, beyond his MMA career, the Brazilian powerhouse has his eyes set on a new frontier—boxing.

Why Pereira Wants Usyk Over Jake Paul

In recent months, speculation has grown over Pereira’s potential boxing debut. While many fighters have entertained lucrative bouts against social media star-turned-boxer Jake Paul, Pereira has his sights set much higher. Speaking on the JAXXON Podcast, Pereira’s coach and translator confirmed the champion’s desire to challenge Usyk, who recently defeated Tyson Fury in a blockbuster heavyweight clash.

“That’s something he really wants,” Pereira’s coach stated. “He’s under contract with the UFC, but he really would like to do it. He’s the champion, and he would like to fight a champion, so Oleksandr Usyk is the fight.”

Unlike many MMA fighters who transition into boxing for spectacle rather than competition, Pereira believes his striking background gives him a legitimate chance in the squared circle. “People talk about boxing, but boxing is one of his biggest strengths,” his coach added. “If he’s supposed to fight, he wants to fight a champ.”

Jake Paul’s Challenge and Pereira’s Response

While Pereira dreams of a bout with Usyk, Jake Paul has repeatedly expressed interest in fighting him, claiming that he sees weaknesses in the UFC star’s boxing game. In an interview with Adin Ross, Paul confidently stated that he would defeat Pereira in a boxing match, citing his ability to exploit perceived vulnerabilities.

“One thousand percent I would beat him,” Paul claimed. “He doesn’t have a high volume output, and he doesn’t like body shots. In MMA, Pereira would rip my head off, but boxing is a different sport.”

However, Pereira has firmly dismissed the idea of a fight with Paul, emphasizing that his focus is on elite competition, not celebrity-driven matchups. Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Pereira said, “I’m going to be honest, of course, boxing interests me. But Jake Paul knows I’m under contract with the UFC and can’t just leave. That’s why he calls me out.” He further stated that if the UFC allowed cross-promotional fights, Paul would not be making such challenges.

Can Pereira Make the Move?

While Pereira’s interest in boxing is clear, a fight with Usyk remains uncertain due to his contractual obligations with the UFC. However, if the Brazilian can find a way to negotiate a crossover fight, it could be one of the most intriguing matchups between MMA and boxing champions in recent history. Whether the UFC allows it or not, Pereira’s ambition and confidence signal that he is eager to test his skills beyond the Octagon, and fans will be eagerly watching for any developments in this potential blockbuster showdown.