UFC middleweight predicts Alex Pereira will have a short reign as division champion 

No.11-ranked middleweight Andre Muniz said that he doesn't think Alex Pereira will be champion for long in the middleweight division. Pereira is primarily a kickboxer and has to make considerable strides in his grappling. That, however, isn't the reason for Muniz's opinion.

Instead, Muniz stated that Pereira might not be able to make the 185-pound limit as he's a large man who walks around at 220 pounds outside the octagon. Weight cuts tend to take their toll on fighters over time.

Here's what the No.11-ranked middleweight said:

"I believe he will defend this title [against Adesanya] and, with a win, he moves up a division. I don’t think he’ll have as many title defenses for so long, especially to preserve his body and have a longer career. It takes a toll on the body and sooner or later he will pay the price with his performance."

Andre Muniz is undefeated in the UFC with a 5-0 promotional record (excluding his two DWCS wins. 'Sergipani' has an overall MMA record of 23-4. The Brazilian submission specialist last fought Uriah Hall at UFC 276 and won a unanimous decision over his American striking-heavy counterpart.

Alex Pereira has been booked for an immediate rematch against former champion Israel Adesanya at UFC 287. With UFC 287, the promotional will return to Miami for the first time in 20 years at the Miami-Dade Arena. The event will be co-headlined by Gilbert Burns vs. Jorge Masvidal.

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Alex Pereira will fight Israel Adesanya and move up to challenge for the LHW title, says Andre Muniz

In an interview with MMA Fighting, Andre Muniz said that he doesn't think Alex Pereira will be able to make the 185-pound championship limit for too long. He thinks that the Brazilian champion is too big to be cutting weight from what looks like 220 pounds to the 185-pound limit.

According to Muniz, Pereira will defend his title against Israel Adesanya and then move up to a weight class. Alex Pereira was seen sizing up and had a minor back-and-forth with, Jamahal Hill after UFC 283 when 'Sweet Dreams' beat his teammate Glover Texeira.

'Poatan' also expressed an interest in fighting former champion Robert Whittaker, so there might be a potential second title defense at middleweight. However, 'Poatan' has to get past Israel Adesanya before anything else.

If Andre Muniz fights his way to the No.1 contender spot, will Alex Pereira still be the middleweight champion? We'll have to wait and find out.