Big move: Ryan Spann creeps toward UFC heavyweight limit

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Big move: Ryan Spann creeps toward UFC heavyweight limit

Originally posted on HITC | By Kyle Dimond | Last updated Apr 25, 2026 4:32 AM ET

Ryan Spann appears to have made the jump to the heavyweight division without much trouble.

Meanwhile, Alex Pereira has spoken about the physical challenges he’s faced getting used to the added weight ahead of his debut in the division.

Pereira has always had the frame to move up, but it’s unlikely he’ll be anywhere near the UFC heavyweight limit that surprised Terence Crawford when he first heard about it.

Adjusting to a higher weight class, especially with such a significant gap between divisions, is a process that can take time. We’re seeing that now with one of the fighters on this week’s UFC Vegas 116 card.

Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images

Ryan Spann steps in 12 pounds heavier for the Heavyweight bout at UFC Vegas 116

After Mayra Bueno Silva’s weigh-in drew attention earlier in the day, there was a bit of a wait before Ryan Spann took his turn on the scales.

‘Superman’ had 11 light heavyweight bouts under his belt, plus two catchweight fights, before making the switch last year.

Earlier today, he stepped on the scale at 264 pounds, just one pound shy of the heavyweight limit, ahead of his fight against grappling specialist Marcus ‘Buchecha’ Almeida.

This marks Spann’s third appearance as a heavyweight since moving up to face Waldo Cortes-Acosta in March last year.

Over his three fights since then, he’s steadily put on more weight, with this being his closest approach yet to the division’s upper limit.

The added size could be part of Spann’s strategy against Buchecha, who may not have found success yet in terms of wins but remains a threat thanks to his elite grappling background.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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