UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has ruled out a return to middleweight for a third fight against Israel Adesanya, according to PUNCH Sports Extra.
Pereira stated in a recent interview that he’s motivated to stay in the light heavyweight division and won’t move back to middleweight. The two fighters have a intense rivalry, with Pereira leading the series 3-1 across kickboxing and MMA bouts.
Pereira is set to face Jiri Prochazka on June 29 at UFC 303, while Adesanya will take on current champion Dricus du Plessis on August 17 at UFC 305 in Australia.
The Adesanya-du Plessis matchup has been highly anticipated, with both fighters vying for the title of ‘true African champion.’ This all-African bout adds fuel to the rivalry, promising a thrilling pay-per-view event.
