Alex Pereira continues his preparation for his heavyweight debut, demonstrating his hand speed remains sharp despite moving up in weight class. The UFC arrived at his training facility to film content for the countdown show promoting the White House event. Pereira's speed on his hands was highlighted in the training footage. The former light heavyweight and middleweight champion is making the jump to heavyweight for his next fight. UFC is producing promotional materials for what will be a historic card at the White House venue.
Alex Pereira was caught on camera looking sharp during a recent training session, with UFC film crews visiting his gym to capture footage for the countdown show tied to the upcoming White House event.
The reigning light heavyweight champion, nicknamed "Poatan," is preparing to make a historic jump to heavyweight for his next fight. UFC production teams arrived at Teixeira MMA and Fitness to document the camp, and the footage drew attention for one particular detail: Pereira's hand speed remains notably crisp despite the weight-class move.
Pereira, 38, carries a professional record of 13-4 and stands six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach. The Brazilian southpaw-turned-orthodox striker is already regarded as one of the most dangerous knockout artists in MMA history, having held both the middleweight and light heavyweight championships. His striking numbers back that reputation — he lands 5.16 significant strikes per minute at a 62 percent accuracy rate, figures that rank among the elite in the sport.
Why it matters
- Pereira would become a rare fighter to compete credibly across three UFC weight classes if he succeeds at heavyweight
- His combination of elite hand speed, power, and a 79-inch reach translates well to the heavier division on paper
- The White House card is shaping up as a marquee event, and Pereira's presence adds significant promotional weight
- A championship run at light heavyweight plus a heavyweight debut marks a genuine divisional storyline heading into 2026
