UFC champion Pereira open to Usyk boxing match

UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira says he would be open to a boxing match with heavyweight boxing world champion Oleksandr Usyk.

Pereira, 37, makes the fourth defence of his light-heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Brazilian Pereira has said he would move up to heavyweight or down to middleweight, where he previously held the title.

Jon Jones is the UFC heavyweight champion and Dricus du Plessis holds the middleweight strap.

"In the future I would like Dricus or Jon Jones or even fighting Oleksandr Usyk in boxing," Pereira said.

"I see those possibly happening, but it doesn't depend on me. It depends on the UFC."

Asked whether the UFC's involvement in a new boxing league backed by investment from Saudi Arabia could pave the way for him to meet WBA (Super), WBC and WBO heavyweight champion Usyk, Pereira said he was "happy" to hear the news.

"Who knows - September, Saudi Arabia?" he said.

Ukrainian Usyk is undefeated as a professional and beat Tyson Fury twice in 2024 to cement his place at the top of the heavyweight division.

He became the first undisputed heavyweight champion of the four-belt era with his first victory over Fury and was also the undisputed cruiserweight champion.

Interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has also said he wants to fight Jones.

Briton Aspinall has not fought since April, when he made the first defence of his title against Curtis Blaydes.

"The plan is to fight Jon this summer," UFC president Dana White told the Jim Rome, external show.

"My goal this year is to make that fight. When, where and all that stuff is being determined. Let's see how this fight (with Ankalaev) plays out.

"The fight everyone wants to see right now is Jones and Aspinall and there's no doubt Pereira could fight the winner."