Alex Pereira wants to step into the ring with Oleksandr Usyk

After achieving great success in both kickboxing and MMA, Alex Pereira is setting his sights on a new challenge—professional boxing. The Brazilian fighter, who has captured the Glory kickboxing titles in two weight classes, is eager to transition into boxing, following in the footsteps of fighters like Conor McGregor. Pereira, who currently holds the UFC middleweight and light heavyweight titles, believes that stepping into the world of boxing is a natural progression for his combat sports career.

Pereira’s Transition from Kickboxing to MMA

Pereira’s career in kickboxing made him a household name in the combat sports world. As a two-division Glory kickboxing champion, he proved his dominance in the striking world, showcasing his lethal knockout power. In 2021, Pereira made the leap to MMA, signing with the UFC, where he quickly made an impact. His rapid rise to the middleweight title is a testament to his exceptional combat sports skills.

Despite his success in MMA, Pereira’s ambition doesn’t stop there. The fighter, known for his fierce mentality and relentless drive, has expressed a desire to step into the boxing ring one day. In an interview on the Jaxxon Podcast, Pereira discussed his dreams of competing in professional boxing: “I think everything is possible. It’s something I can’t plan ahead, but I really want to do it.”

Pereira’s Boxing Experience and Ambition to Face Usyk

While Alex Pereira is a relative newcomer to MMA, his experience in boxing dates back several years. His first professional boxing match took place in 2017, where he won via TKO in the third round. Despite this limited experience, Pereira is confident in his boxing ability and has bold ambitions for his future.

“I’m a champion; I want to fight champions,” Pereira asserted. His ideal opponent? None other than the current heavyweight boxing champion, Oleksandr Usyk. Usyk, a former Olympic gold medalist, has established himself as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world, most notably for his impressive victories over top fighters like Anthony Joshua. Pereira believes that despite the challenges, he can hold his own against Usyk: “I think Usyk would be a great opponent. I love boxing. People say I’ll lose if it’s just about boxing, but I feel very confident. I believe I can face the top fighters.”

While many might view this as an overly ambitious goal for someone with relatively little boxing experience, Pereira’s self-belief is undeniable. He has trained alongside top fighters and sparred with several top 10 heavyweight fighters, leaving a strong impression on those who have worked with him. His coach, Plinio Cruz, has complete faith in Pereira’s potential: “I’ve let him spar with some top 10 heavyweights, and Pereira did very well. I believe he has the ability to surprise people.”

The Road Ahead: UFC 313 and the Future of Pereira in Boxing

Before pursuing his boxing dreams, Pereira has some unfinished business in the UFC. On March 9, 2025, Pereira will defend his light heavyweight title at UFC 313 against the dangerous Magomed Ankalaev in the main event. This fight will be crucial for Pereira, as he continues to build his legacy in the UFC before taking on a new challenge in the world of boxing.

Despite the challenges that lie ahead, Pereira is focused on what comes next in his career. His bold plans for boxing show that he is not content with just being an MMA champion—he aims to make his mark across multiple combat sports. His ambition to fight Oleksandr Usyk serves as a reminder that Alex Pereira is always looking for the next challenge, and he is ready to test himself against the very best in the world.

In conclusion, Alex Pereira’s journey from kickboxing to MMA has been nothing short of extraordinary. But his ambitions don’t end there. With a future in boxing and a potential showdown with Usyk, Pereira is ready to prove that he belongs in the same conversation as the greatest fighters in the world. Whether or not he eventually steps into the ring with Usyk, his career trajectory promises many more thrilling moments in the world of combat sports.