Joe Rogan has heard ‘chatter’ of shock fight for Alex Pereira’s UFC return in 2026

Rumors of this Alex Pereira matchup have piqued Joe Rogan’s interest.

The next step for ‘Poatan’ in the UFC remains unconfirmed heading into the new year. The Brazilian will enter 2026 as light heavyweight champion despite being removed from the throne by Magomed Ankalaev in March.

Pereira got his revenge on Ankalaev at UFC 320 in October, starting a second reign as the 205-pound king. If things go his way, the champ’s next assignment will come in a different division.

Rather than a defense against a contender like Carlos Ulberg, Pereira immediately called for a heavyweight move after his sixth win in eight title fights under the UFC banner.

Rogan has heard talk of that coming to fruition, but not in the way that ‘Poatan’ had envisioned…

Joe Rogan has heard ‘chatter’ of Alex Pereira fighting Ciryl Gane while Tom Aspinall recovers

Pereira’s sights were initially on the UFC’s leading GOAT contender, but Dana White’s stance on Jon Jones returning at the White House has thrown doubt over that matchup.

The alternative could be a shot at three-division title glory, but the championship picture up at heavyweight is uncertain after Tom Aspinall was left with eye damage from Ciryl Gane’s poke at UFC 321 in October.

Ex-fighter Josh Thomson has pitched an interim title fight between Pereira and Gane, and a longtime UFC color commentator has heard talk of that happening.

“There’s a lot of chatter about him fighting in the heavyweight division,” Rogan said of Pereira on his JRE podcast. “There’s a lot of chatter about him perhaps even fighting Ciryl Gane.

“I don’t know how much is true — I haven’t talked to Dana about it. But it’s not an illogical move. He’s 240 pounds right now. 240-plus!

“Make no mistake about it, that guy can knock out heavyweights. No doubt about it. He hits harder than anyone they’ve ever recorded,” he added.

Alex Pereira’s original plan has been dashed

The chances of a fight against Gane or another heavyweight were seemingly boosted recently when Pereira himself provided an update on plans for 2026.

Despite Pereira targeting the Jones fight at the White House, it would seem that the promotion and its president have not been persuaded.

After frequently discussing his desire to compete at the celebratory event in June, Pereira posted a disappointing update on Instagram, writing, “Looks like the White House is a no go!!!”

If the Jones fight remains off the table, ‘Poatan’s’ heavyweight focus will seemingly sway to the pursuit of a history-making third divisional title.