Chinese heavyweight fighter Zhilei Zhang has stated that he thinks Alex Pereira, the current UFC light heavyweight champion, has what it takes to win the heavyweight title. Zhang’s faith in Pereira is based on their shared experiences competing together, where the two combat sports celebrities engaged in fierce sparring matches that left both combatants with lifelong memories.
Boxing and mixed martial arts fans were drawn to Pereira and Zhang in 2023 after video of their sparring sessions went viral. The two fighters met as they were preparing for significant fights: Zhang was preparing for a matchup with Joe Joyce, and Pereira was preparing for a much awaited rematch with Israel Adesanya.
In a recent interview, Zhang opened up about the sparring sessions, and shared some insight into Pereira’s skill set. “We competed on four wheels,” Zhang said through his translator. “It was a tough day for me—I had gone 12 miles with the other two guys before Alex got in the ring. But even after that, he gave me four solid goals. No pictures were taken, but I can tell you, he’s a good boxer.”
Pereira’s skills: Speed, power and control
Zhang did not shy away from praising Pereira’s abilities. “He has good reflexes, good speed and really power,” Zhang said. “I’ve seen his UFC fights, and he beats everybody in stand-up.”
Pereira’s background in kickboxing is well-documented. Before transitioning to MMA full-time in 2021, he held the GLORY middleweight and light heavyweight titles, establishing himself as one of the most feared strikers in combat sports. Since making the switch to MMA, Pereira has quickly ascended the ranks, becoming a two-division UFC champion and earning Fighter of the Year honors.
Pereira’s Possible Move to Heavyweight
Pereira’s meteoric rise to the heavyweight division prompted talk of his potential to make history. As early as 2023, Pereira successfully defended his lightweight title twice, defeating Jamahl Hill at UFC 300 and then briefly defeating Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303. These victories solidified his position as in the sport one of the greatest fighters , fans were eager that he triathlon Whether being a UFC champion could be an unprecedented feat.
Zhang, who has faced Pereira’s power first hand, believes what the Brazilian has to offer is the ability to compete at the heavyweight level. “I think he has,” Zhang insisted. “This heavy one has the ability to define it.”
What is Pereira’s next move?
Alex Pereira has stated that he wants to make the switch to heavyweight before the conclusion of his career, but even if he does it this year, the UFC lightweight champion may still have one more title defense in 2024 before moving up to the heavyweight class.
Pereira is a talented fighter with ambition who could compete in any weight class, but MMA would be a wonderful fit for him if he decided to go heavyweight. If Pereira can maintain his dominance and accomplish the extraordinary feat of holding crowns in three weight classes, observers and fans alike will be eagerly monitoring this match.
