Glover Teixeira jokes about training challenges as Pereira bulks up; Pereira fires back

Glover Teixeira has offered a candid and lighthearted look at life in the gym with Alex Pereira, admitting that the light heavyweight champion's growing frame has made training sessions a logistical headache. Pereira, who has been bulking up ahead of a reported move to heavyweight, responded in kind, making clear he considers himself "heavier, not fat."

Teixeira, 46, is a Brazilian veteran carrying a 33-9-0 professional record and a wealth of championship experience at light heavyweight. Standing six-foot-two with a 76-inch reach, he has long been one of the division's most respected figures, averaging 3.73 significant strikes landed per minute across his career at 49 percent striking accuracy. He also brings meaningful grappling threat, averaging 2.11 takedowns per 15 minutes. Both men share a gym under the Teixeira MMA and Fitness banner, which makes the size dynamic between them particularly direct.

Pereira, known as Poatan, holds the light heavyweight title at 38 years old and carries a 13-4-0 record into this period of transition. The Brazilian stands six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach and has built his reputation on elite striking output, landing 5.16 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 62 percent accuracy. His striking game is overwhelmingly his identity, reflected in career averages of just 0.11 takedowns and 0.2 submission attempts per 15 minutes.

Why it matters

• Pereira bulking toward heavyweight would represent a significant divisional shift for one of the sport's most prominent champions
• Teixeira's comments highlight the physical reality of training with a heavier Pereira, even if framed with humor
• The exchange between longtime teammates offers a rare, informal window into how Pereira's physical transformation is being managed inside the camp