© Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Alex Pereira is looking pretty big this days.
Earlier this year, Pereira told the UFC he wanted to move up to heavyweight after defending his light heavyweight title several times.
“They asked what I wanted to do, and then I just said I wanted to go to heavyweight. I saw my weight, saw that I could do it. And I know they don’t like when you hold the division [up], so I basically let go of my belt. I didn’t know who or when I was going to fight, I just knew it was going to be at heavyweight, and I let it go and came up.”
Via MMA Fighting
Pereira claims that the move up to heavyweight is permanent.
“I could make light heavyweight again, but this is not something that is new for me. Many guys just go on the heat of the moment. They jump a weight class, and then they lose, they come back. I’ve been expressing for a long time that I’ve been wanting to fight at heavyweight, so I think I’ll probably stay around [at heavyweight].”
Ahead of his UFC White House card fight vs Ciryl Gane, Pereira showed off his new physique, and he looks absolutely massive.
Alex Pereira looking like a tank right now 👀
(via @AlexPereiraUFC) https://t.co/1z66CyxQ4D pic.twitter.com/x4xT1fJAB5
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 23, 2026
Despite gaining weight, Pereira still appears to be quick on the mitts.
Heavyweight Alex Pereira still moving FAST 👀
(via @pliniocruzmma) pic.twitter.com/4hkSLBl5Ve
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) April 16, 2026