There are quite a few moving parts to the light heavyweight and middleweight title pictures at the moment. In the aftermath of UFC 305 last month, both Alex Pereira and Dricus Du Plessis expressed their intent to fight each other. But at what weight? Since this is a champion vs. champion fight, the title of the weight class at which they fight will be on the line. So, who deserves a shot at a second title more?

Alex Pereira is a two-weight world champion in less than 10 fights in the UFC. Dricus Du Plessis is undefeated in the promotion and now has a title defense under his belt. But if you ask ex-UFC fighter and Hall of Famer Michael Bisping, DDP is not quite there yet and has his work cut out for him. 

Bisping shared the latest news updates about Du Plessis and ‘Poatan,’ wherein he mentioned how Pereira called ‘Stillknocks’ a ‘scared clown.’ Pereira had then declared that DDP was an easier fight than Jones but apparently the former ducked from the matchup. This did not sit well with Du Plessis and he snapped. But that’s not all as Bisping then posed a challenge to ‘Stillknocks.’

He said, “If they are going to see that fight I would like to see Dricus go up to 205; go up to 205 try to become double champion. After you have beaten Sean Strickland, and after you have defended the belt one more time.”

Bisping also mentioned other fighters like Robert Whittaker, and Khamzat Chimaev and said, “Maybe against a Robert Whittaker, or a Khamzat, or whatever. Clear out the top contenders and then fill out your boots. Go and get Alex Pereira go and see how it is. See if Hard Knocks or Stillknocks can knock it in the 205 division. But of course, Pereira is going to take on Magomed Ankalaev.”

True, Du Plessis has some work to do at middleweight before he can start clamoring for a second title. What about Pereira? He has already beaten 3 of the top 5 contenders at 205. At UFC 307, he’ll be taking on the surprise challenger, #8 ranked Khalil Rountree Jr. If he wins, this makes the Brazilian a clear contender for a second title strictly based on merit. However, Bisping wants to see none of that business. Why?

Michael Bisping is against a middleweight clash between Du Plessis and Pereira

There is a world of difference between Pereira at 185 lbs and at 205 lbs. ‘Poatan’ has been dropping elite talent left and right since moving up, knocking out Jiri Priochazka (twice) and Jamahal Hill. He even eked out a decision against Jan Blachowicz. This shows how much difference not having to cut an extra 20 lbs can make.

Bisping talked about this on his YouTube channel while having Anthony Smith as the guest. He asked, “ What do you think about Pereira wanting to go down to 185?” Smith disregarded the idea of seeing ‘Poatan’ in the middleweight category. He said, ” I just have a tough time seeing that. It doesn’t seem like it’s even possible, so I don’t take it very seriously because I don’t know that he can make it.”

However UFC head honcho Dana White had given a thumbs up to the fight between Du Plessis and Pereira. Bisping, however, expressed his doubts about his coming into MW pointing out the Brazilian champion’s performance against Israel Adesanya at UFC 287. Bisping said, “He knocked him out because he has to kill himself; the man’s gigantic. So he has to kill himself to make 185. What is he going to go back down to 185 to fight Dricus if Izzy can knock him out? If Izzy has the power to do that, then Dricus has as well.”

Pereira walks around at nearly 235 lbs. That makes him closer to a heavyweight than to a light heavyweight or a middleweight. He will have the power advantage but the weight cut will drain him to the point and make his chin vulnerable to punches like the one that caught him at UFC 287.

He could easily move to heavyweight and trade blows there with the big boys. Sure, he would need some time to pack some muscle. He will need it to handle the physicality of a Tom Aspinall or a Curtis Blaydes. But Pereira’s left hand will likely remain the ultimate equalizer.

Maybe this is why Bisping wanted DDP to go up to 205 rather than Pereira to come down to 185. What do you think about these remarks? Do you think DDP should move up from his weight class?