Former UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira will not get an immediate title shot at light heavyweight.
After losing to Israel Adesanya at UFC 285, Pereira announced that he would be moving up to 205.
“My next fight will be at 205!” said Pereira via his YouTube channel. “I think I did my job at 185 and now I’m feeling good to go up to 205. Like I told you, when I’m feeling good, I will go up. This will be something natural, and now I think it is.
“My next opponent, I can’t tell you yet, but I will keep you updated here on my channel,” he said.
Not long after the announcement Pereira began calling out UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill.
Alex Pereira responds to Jamahal Hill's message 👀
🔗https://t.co/eEOJ1C7tXW#UFC #MMA | @AlexPereiraUFC @ufc pic.twitter.com/sJHHCeACiL
— Sportskeeda MMA (@sportskeedaMMA) April 14, 2023
During his postfight press conference at UFC Kansas City, UFC President Dana White made sure to note that Pereira had to beat someone of note before getting a title shot at 205.
“You put him in title contention and then he has to beat someone to even be considered in title contention,” “He’s got to move to 205 and beat a real guy, so that’s what we’re looking at right now, getting a real guy.”
Pereira is currently serving a 60 day medical suspension after getting knocked out by Adesanya.
