Dana White has confirmed that an announcement regarding Alex Pereira's return to the octagon is imminent. The UFC president did not specify a date or opponent for Pereira's next fight.
UFC president Dana White has signaled that Alex Pereira's next fight is close to being made official, telling reporters on September 20 that an announcement on the light heavyweight contender's octagon return is coming soon.
White did not reveal a specific date or name an opponent for Pereira's next outing, leaving the details of the matchup unconfirmed for now.
Pereira, known as "Poatan," carries a professional record of 13 wins and 4 losses and currently sits ranked third in the light heavyweight division. The 39-year-old Brazilian trains out of Teixeira MMA and Fitness and presents a physically imposing frame at six-foot-four with a 79-inch reach. He fights out of an orthodox stance and has built his reputation largely on his striking, landing 5.16 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 62 percent accuracy — numbers that rank among the most efficient in the division. His grappling output is minimal by comparison, averaging just 0.11 takedowns per 15 minutes, underscoring how heavily his game leans on his hands and feet.
Why it matters
- Pereira is ranked third at light heavyweight, meaning his next opponent and the timing of this fight carry real divisional weight.
- White's public signal that an announcement is imminent suggests the matchup is in its final stages, even if no bout agreement has been disclosed.
- A fighter of Pereira's striking volume and accuracy entering the mix creates significant stylistic challenges for whoever his opponent turns out to be.
