Alex Pereira doesn’t whisper about history. He stalks it, literally. Having flattened Magomed Ankalaev in their October rematch at UFC 320, the 38-year-old’s been operating like a man with bigger plans. Bigger than 205. Bigger than rematches. Bigger than cleaning out a division he only joined in 2023. Pereira reclaimed his light heavyweight crown in just 80 seconds, detonating an overhand right and finishing the job with ground-and-pound. That wasn’t just revenge, but a statement.
And now, folks, the next statement might come at heavyweight.
On February 12, 2026, Jamie Theodosi of Bloody Elbow reported that Alex Pereira has been eyeing a move up for months. After calling out the recently retired Jon Jones, the Brazilian has kept the door open for a third title run. This week, he cracked it wider. The former professional kickboxer posted a three-word teaser on IG amid ongoing heavyweight talks:
“1-2-3 and go.”
The timing, though, matters. Heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall is sidelined with a serious eye injury. That’s fueled chatter about an interim belt. Names like Ciryl Gane are circling. Meanwhile, at light heavyweight, the only fresh elite challenger is Carlos Ulberg – dangerous, but not exactly blockbuster.
If Pereira jumps and wins, he becomes the first UFC fighter to claim titles in three weight classes. That’s instant GOAT debate material.
Alex Pereira’s Heavyweight Hopes Get Boost From Insider Report
Pereira’s “1, 2, 3 and go” Instagram caption lit the fuse. However, the real heat came from what an insider claimed right after. Per Josh Thompson, reports indicate the UFC has asked Tom Aspinall to vacate the heavyweight title as he recovers from eye surgery following the brutal poke in his clash with Ciryl Gane.
Thompson broke it down bluntly:
“The reports are out that the UFC asked Tom Aspinall to vacate the title until he was ready to go. He said he’d be willing to vacate the title as long as they released him.”
Nothing is official yet. But if that insider scoop holds weight, it opens a clear path for Alex Pereira to chase belt No. 3.