Alex Pereira Rules Out Boxing Move Amid Seven UFC Fights

Alex Pereira has cast doubt on a future professional boxing career, explaining that his remaining UFC commitments and age make the transition difficult. The 39-year-old Brazilian former two-division champion discussed the possibility during an interview with Fred Talks Fighting in London while accompanying longtime coach Plinio Cruz ahead of Cruz's boxing appearance. Pereira remains focused on heavyweight competition, with Sergei Pavlovich scheduled as his next opponent at UFC 335 in December.

Pereira said seven bouts remain on his UFC contract, an obstacle to pursuing boxing while continuing his mixed martial arts career. His comments do not amount to a retirement announcement or a permanent rejection of professional boxing, but they indicate that a move to the ring is not an immediate priority.

During the interview, Pereira explained the challenge facing him.

"Well, we have seven fights left on my UFC contract. I'm 39, it's kind of impossible. But I'm happy to be here with Plinio." Pereira said.

When asked whether he might consider boxing after completing his remaining UFC fights, Pereira showed little enthusiasm for the idea. He responded briefly, indicating that he was comfortable with his current direction.

According to reporting by Sports Yahoo, Pereira signed an eight-fight UFC agreement announced in March 2026 and has competed once under that deal. He previously discussed the contract while explaining his decision to relinquish the light heavyweight championship and pursue a title in another division.

The Brazilian has previously expressed interest in professional boxing. In 2025, he said, "I am definitely going to box… It's not about aiming for more money. I like a challenge.

I want to be the best." Those earlier remarks contrasted with his latest assessment of the practical difficulties involved in changing sports.

Pereira's immediate objective is to recover from his heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250 in June. Gane stopped him by technical knockout in the second round of their interim heavyweight title contest. Pereira criticized referee Herb Dean after the fight, arguing that strikes to the back of his head affected the outcome.

His next assignment is a five-round heavyweight co-main event against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335 on December 12 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, according to reporting by Sports Yahoo and NDTV. A victory could strengthen Pereira's position in the heavyweight title picture as he pursues championship success in a third UFC division.

Pereira previously captured the UFC middleweight championship by defeating Israel Adesanya at UFC 281 in November 2022. He later won the light heavyweight title by stopping Jiri Prochazka at UFC 295 in November 2023, and regained the light heavyweight belt against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320 in October 2025 after losing their earlier encounter.

Before establishing himself in MMA, Pereira compiled a 33-7 kickboxing record and won GLORY championships in two divisions. His attempt to add a UFC heavyweight championship to his achievements remains active following the loss to Gane, with Pavlovich next on his schedule.