BREAKING: Alex Pereira Makes Light Heavyweight Debut at UFC 291

Alex Pereira debuts in a new UFC weight class against a fearsome opponent

Alex Pereira will fight Jan Blachowicz in his light heavyweight debut at UFC 291 on July 29. Dana White announced the matchup as the co-main of a stacked PPV during a live reveal on his Instagram.

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The card features Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje headlining for the "Baddest Motherf***er" title (BMF), as well as fan favorites such as Paulo Costa, Tony Ferguson, and Kevin Holland.

UFC 291's full main card

Pereira, the former UFC middleweight champion, was dethroned by long-time adversary Israel Adesanya at UFC 287 on April 9. "Poatan" promised fans his next fight would be at light heavyweight, after concerns grew around his durability whilst making such immense weight cuts.

"Many people questioned [my weight cut] .... now is a great moment to move up [to light heavyweight] .... I'm moving up a division now, and that's my decision .... I'm not going up because I can't make weight anymore, I can make the weight at any moment."

His opponent, Blachowicz, is the former UFC light heavyweight champion, and is the only man other than Pereira to have defeated Adesanya in the UFC.

One thing is for certain, both men have incredible knockout power in their hands. At No.3 in the light heavyweight rankings, Blachowicz is a high tier opponent for "Poatan", and a victory for either man would surely see them compete for the title.

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For Pereira, this would be a rare opportunity to become a UFC two-division champion.

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