Alex Pereira wants to take a big step in his MMA career.
The former Glory kickboxing champion feels ready to test himself against the very best at 185 pounds. That’s why Pereira (5-1 MMA, 2-0 UFC) wants to fight top contender Jared Cannonier for his next UFC bout.
The Brazilian competed in his second UFC fight on Saturday night in the main card of UFC Fight Night 203 in Las Vegas. He defeated Bruno Silva (22-7 MMA, 3-1 UFC) in a unanimous decision that read 30-27 across all judges’ scorecards.
Now 2-0 under the promotion, Pereira wants his crack at the top dogs of the division.
“I had talked about Jared Cannonier because he’s a guy that is next for a title shot,” Pereira told reporters at the UFCFight Night 203 post-fight press conference. “Some people have already talked about me and Adesanya, so why not Cannonier? I don’t think I’m talking too much calling out Cannonier.”
Pereira is the only man to have knocked out UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya. He holds kickboxing wins over Adesanya having outpointed him in a decision in 2016 and then knocked him out just a year later in 2017.
The 34-year-old feels he’s shown plenty during his short run in the UFC.
“I had two great fights and I was able to showcase my skills,” Pereira said. “I didn’t even show everything that I go through my daily basis training with Glover Teixeira’s gym. I’m improving and evolving every day. Where I am in the division? I don’t know. I’ll let the promotors talk and they’ll know where to properly put me in.”
