Alex Pereira admits heavyweight move isn't "main focus" right now, shares return timeline: "I think I'm in another position now"

While Alex Pereira has consistently expressed interest in moving up to heavyweight, 'Poatan' has now revealed that the 205-pound division is still his main focus.

While the prospect of being UFC's first three-division champion is an alluring prize for the Brazilian, he believes this isn't the right time for a move up to heavyweight, especially considering the title picture presently. Between Tom Aspinal holding the interim strap and champion Jon Jones expected to defend his title later this year against Stipe Miocic, Pereira would rather see how the division plays out.

In a recent video on his YouTube channel, the UFC light heavyweight champion said:

"It doesn't interest me to fight [Tom Aspinall] at the moment. To be honest, heavyweight isn't my objective, it isn't my main focus... I'm talking positions. I think I'm in another position now. It doesn't make sense for me to dispute [fight for the] interim belt."

'Poatan' does envision moving up eventually. But at 37, the UFC star wants a shot at undisputed UFC gold when he makes his heavyweight debut. For the near future, however, the 205-pound kingpin plans to rule his division. While he has already fought twice his year, he fancies fighting once more in 2024:

"I want to rest a little, evolve my training. But I think December would be a good date for me. November or December. But before November, I don't want to go back [to fighing]. I want to rest and evolve."

Catch Alex Pereira's comments below (5:41 and 10:56):

Pereira recognizes that Magomed Ankalaev should be his next challenger at light heavyweight. In the above video, 'Poatan' assured fans that he would be game to face any foe on his return, the Dagestani included.

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Magomed Ankalaev predicts finishing "overrated" Alex Pereira

Magomed Ankalaev has been quite vocal about his confidence in beating Alex Pereira when they eventually meet in the cage. Now, in a recent interview, he has labeled 'Poatan's' infamous left hook as "overrated."

Speaking on Submission Radio, the 32-year-old predicted that he'd finish the reigning champion when they lock horns:

"This fight will not last long. There will be an iron stop or submission. I don't think the fight will last long anyway... His punch is too overrated. He has a standard left hook punch."

Catch Magomed Ankalaev's comments on Alex Pereira below: