Pereira Rejects Gane-Aspinall Wait, Wants Next Fight

Alex Pereira will not wait for the heavyweight title picture to clear.

The former two-division champion told fans at a Q&A session in Belgrade last weekend that he wants another fight before Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall unify the heavyweight belt this fall, per MMA Mania. Pereira lost to Gane in June in his first attempt at a third UFC title.

Pereira Still Chasing Heavyweight Gold

Pereira said his focus remains on winning the heavyweight strap despite the setback. "When I am focused on something, I always achieve it, and I will not let it escape next time," he said through a translator. He added that waiting for the unification bout would keep him idle too long. "I do not know what will happen, and I do not know how long that fight will take. For sure I want to fight before, and after that I want to fight for the belt."

Asked about a potential opponent, Pereira said he has no preference. "Any one," he told the crowd. "I still have not returned to the conversation with the organization, but as I have always been saying, whoever they think they have to put there, I will be fighting."

The UFC has not announced a return date for Pereira or named an opponent. Gane and Aspinall are expected to meet in October or November.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Alex Pereira refuses to wait for Gane vs. Aspinall: ‘For sure I want to fight before’