Whether it ends up being an exhibition bout or not, a hypothetical Alex Pereira vs Oleksandr Usyk would have the world watching. And it seems to be getting more and more real. Pereira, ahead of his fight against Ankalaev at UFC 313, where he will defend his light heavyweight belt for the fourth time in a year, has once again spoken about the possibility of facing the Ukrainian
“In the future I would like to face Dricus du Plessis or Jon Jones, or even Oleksandr Usyk in boxing. I see it as possible, but it’s not up to me. It depends on the UFC,” the Brazilian fighter said
In the future I would like to face Dricus du Plessis or Jon Jones, or even Oleksandr Usyk in boxing
‘Poatan’ spoke at UFC 313 Media Day from Las Vegas: “I jumped for joy when I saw the news of the creation of a boxing league (Turki Al-Sheikh in partnership with Dana White and the UFC, ed.) Usyk? September, Saudi Arabia… Who knows? I was the first to show interest in that fight. And now we have to see the interest of the UFC. I’ll be ready for it,” continued the mixed martial arts superstar, who also has a successful past in Glory Kickboxing.
Usyk? September, Saudi Arabia… Who knows?
In the recent past, Usyk himself opened the door to this possible fight: “Then, maybe, an exhibition fight with Alex Pereira. Maybe… Why not? Alex wants it,” said Usyk. The Ukrainian, who is hoping to have two more fights before retiring, sees the Pereira fight as the last one before hanging up his gloves.
Usyk is unbeaten in professional boxing and beat Tyson Fury twice in 2024, cementing his status as the best heavyweight boxer of his generation. Pereira wants to replicate the same in the UFC… and now Ankalaev stands in his way. If he beats the Dagestani, it will be four successful title defenses in just over 365 days.
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