Right after losing the title of UFC middleweight champion to Israel Adesanya, Alex Pereira made an announcement that he was moving up in weight to the light heavyweight category. He also announced that his next fight would be in the light heavyweight category. Soon afterward, he got his wish as UFC president, Dana White announced his fight in UFC 291 against former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz.

Now it seems ‘Poatan’ is ready for the fight as he shared his most recent “transformation photo” from a sparring session. Fans are impressed and we are too.  Could this be a hint of surprises to come at UFC 291 and beyond?

Fans are in awe of Alex Pereira’s “towering” stature

Pareira announced, “My next fight will be at 205, yeah, you heard right. My next fight will be at 205. I think I did my work at 185, and now I’m feeling good to go up to 205. (…)  I want to make one thing clear: The division 185, I always made weight. A lot of people had doubts, but I always fulfilled my obligation. But now it’s the moment to go up to the next division. This will be better for me.”

The picture features Pereira standing next to UFC heavyweight Parker Porter, emphasizing the striking difference in height between them. Fans were thrilled to witness this jaw-dropping change, especially considering Pereira’s potential move to the heavyweight division. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions.

One fan suggested forming a new weight class between 205 and 265 pounds to accommodate Pereira’s transition. “They should make a new weight class between 205 and 265. It’s a long jump.”

But followers of the Poatan made some bold claims, like, “he’s coming for jon jones”, “Poatan will become Lightheavy weight champion”, “He’s definitely going to be a problem at 205”

One fan added to the buzz around Pereira’s upcoming clash, saying, “My goat gonna flatline Jan”

While fans are thrilled, UFC veteran and commentator Michael Bisping identified his move as “a headscratcher.” Bisping is particularly unconvinced since he has been quite successful in the 185 category, and believes only time will unravel the true motivation behind the decision. He added, “I mean titles don’t get much more prestigious. It’s right there. All he has to do is campaign for it and he could get that fight. So, I don’t understand it. There’s a lot of people in the sports that feel the same way.”

However, how much of a challenge he will be able to pose for his opponents is something that we all will have our eyes on.

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Poatan vs. Jamahal Hill or Jon Jones or none?

Currently ranked no.3 in the Light Heavyweight, “The Legendary Polish Power” as Blachowicz is known. However, he might not be the same potent force that he used to be at 40. However, if ‘Poatan’ were to be dismissive of him it would be at his own risk.

On the other hand, a win at UFC 291 could bring Pereira closer to a title shot against Jamahal Hill, the reigning champion in the Light Heavyweight category. Or perhaps, as fans speculate, he will again try to move up a weight class to challenge heavyweight titan, Jon Jones? Only time will tell and we can’t wait to find out more. Come July 29 and we’ll have our answers.

What do you think? Will Poatan be able to stand his ground in a new weight class? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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