First, it was middleweight. Currently, it is light heavyweight. Now, Alex Pereira is setting his sights on heavyweight.
Pereira scored a convincing title defense in the main event of UFC 300 Saturday night. After waving off referee Herb Dean, Pereira pounced, finishing Jamahal Hill.
Hill, who vacated the title after an injury, was looking to return to the top. Instead, he was left on the ground looking up at the champion.
“When I step in the Octagon, I don’t see myself as a champion,” Pereira said. “I don’t let this belt go to my head. I come in here to win this belt every time.”
Previously, Pereira confirmed it was agreed that he could return next month at UFC 301 with a win. The promotion heads to Brazil on May 4 from Rio de Janeiro.
The 36-year-old “Poatan” is a native of Sao Paulo, Brazil. His last fight in his home country came in 2016 for Jungle Fight.
Bouts announced for that event include Alexandre Pantoja defending his flyweight title vs. Steve Erceg and the return of Jose Aldo. Aldo will meet Jonathan Martinez.
“I want to keep defending this belt,” Pereira said. “I want to have a fight at heavyweight.”
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