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Alex Pereira has explained why he does not expect to pursue professional boxing in the near future, pointing to his age and remaining UFC commitments as the biggest obstacles.
The former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion addressed his boxing future during an interview with Fred Talks Fighting in London. Pereira was accompanying his longtime coach, Plinio Cruz, who was preparing for a boxing appearance.
Asked whether he could eventually compete in the boxing ring, Pereira highlighted the scale of his remaining UFC contract.
“Well, we have seven fights left on my UFC contract. I’m 39, it’s kind of impossible,” Pereira said, according to the interview translation.
When asked whether boxing could become an option after completing those fights, Pereira did not express enthusiasm for the idea.
“No, I’m fine,” he replied.
The comments represent a significant update on the future of one of combat sports’ most accomplished strikers. While Pereira has previously expressed interest in boxing, his latest remarks suggest that his immediate priorities remain firmly within mixed martial arts.
Seven UFC Fights Remain on Pereira’s Contract
Pereira’s contractual commitments are central to his decision. The Brazilian announced in March 2026 that he had signed a new eight fight agreement with the UFC. After competing once under that deal, he has seven fights remaining, according to his latest comments.
At 39, Pereira acknowledged that fulfilling those obligations could make a transition to professional boxing difficult to arrange within the remaining years of his competitive career.
However, his statement should not be interpreted as a formal retirement announcement or a definitive declaration that he will never box. He described the move as difficult under his current circumstances rather than announcing a permanent end to the possibility.
Pereira’s situation also reflects a wider issue facing established MMA fighters interested in crossover competition. Contractual obligations, training requirements and the limited time available at the highest level can complicate plans to pursue another combat sport. For now, Pereira appears content to continue competing in the UFC.
Alex Pereira Previously Expressed Interest in Boxing
The latest comments mark a shift from the enthusiasm Pereira previously expressed about testing himself in professional boxing.
In 2025, the Brazilian discussed his desire to enter the boxing ring, describing the challenge as an ambition rather than simply an opportunity to earn more money. His striking background has naturally generated interest in a possible crossover.
Before establishing himself as a UFC champion, Pereira became one of kickboxing’s leading competitors. He won GLORY championships in two weight divisions and developed a reputation for powerful left hooks, precise counterstriking and an ability to finish elite opponents.
Those qualities have repeatedly fuelled speculation about how he might perform under professional boxing rules. Pereira has also faced public interest from prominent figures in boxing, including discussions involving heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk and Jake Paul. However, interest and speculation have not produced an officially announced professional boxing match for Pereira.
His latest remarks indicate that a crossover is not currently part of his plans.
Sergei Pavlovich Fight Takes Priority at UFC 335
Pereira’s immediate attention is on his next heavyweight assignment against Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335 on December 12 in Las Vegas.
The five round co main event will be Pereira’s second appearance at heavyweight following his defeat to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250 in June. Pereira had entered that fight hoping to become the UFC’s first three division champion. Instead, Gane stopped him in the second round of their interim heavyweight title contest.
The result interrupted Pereira’s attempt to add another championship to a résumé that already includes UFC titles at middleweight and light heavyweight.
Pavlovich presents another demanding test. The Russian heavyweight is renowned for his knockout power and fast finishes, making the matchup an important opportunity for Pereira to re-establish himself in the division. A victory could strengthen Pereira’s position in the heavyweight title picture. Another defeat, however, would raise further questions about his long term prospects at the weight.
With the fight approaching, Pereira has a clear competitive objective before considering any alternative career path.
Could Alex Pereira Still Box After the UFC?
Pereira has not ruled out every conceivable future scenario, but his comments offer little indication that he is actively planning a professional boxing career.
Completing seven remaining UFC fights could take considerable time, particularly if he continues competing in demanding championship level bouts. His age was therefore an explicit part of his explanation. His kickboxing experience and striking ability would make a boxing appearance an intriguing prospect, but success in one ruleset does not automatically guarantee success in another. Professional boxing involves distinct defensive techniques, pacing, combinations and tactical demands.
For Pereira, the question is no longer simply whether he possesses the striking ability to compete in a boxing ring. It is whether a transition makes sense given his existing commitments and the stage of his career. His latest comments suggest that he is not looking to make that move now.
Alex Pereira’s Focus Remains on the UFC
Pereira’s boxing ambitions may have to wait while he works through his remaining UFC contract. At 39, the Brazilian remains one of the most recognisable fighters in combat sports, with championships across kickboxing and mixed martial arts. His next appearance against Pavlovich will offer another opportunity to pursue success at heavyweight.
For the moment, there is no announced boxing debut, no confirmed crossover opponent and no indication that Pereira intends to leave the UFC to pursue one. Instead, the former two division champion is preparing for another high stakes MMA fight.
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