Alex Pereira remains focused on winning third UFC title: "One mission left"
The former two-division champion says he still has "one mission left" after being defeated by Ciryl Gane in his heavyweight debut.
Alex Pereira may have lost his fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250, but has no intention of letting his failed attempt to become a three-division champion define the final chapter of his career. Despite being defeated by TKO in his heavyweight debut, "Poatan" remains focused on winning a third UFC title and believes he will accomplish his goal if given another opportunity.
Speaking to fans during a Q&A session in Serbia ahead of UFC Belgrade on Friday, Pereira reflected on his career, his loss to Gane and his plans for the future. Although he failed in his first attempt at heavyweight, the Brazilian made it clear he wants another shot at the title regardless of who the opponent might be.
Alex Pereira Still Wants Third UFC Title
Despite being a former UFC middleweight and light heavyweight champion and one of the most accomplished fighters in the promotion, Pereira is not done yet. According to Poatan, he still has "one mission left," and that means winning a third title.
"I'm satisfied with my career, but I still have one mission left," Pereira began. "It didn't work out this time at the White House, and that's winning my third title. I'm going after that third belt. When I focus on something, I always achieve it. And next time, I won't let it slip away."
Pereira already made history by becoming a UFC champion in two weight classes, and a third title would make him the first fighter in the promotion's history to win championships in three different divisions. His first attempt to achieve that feat ended with a second-round TKO loss to Gane at UFC Freedom 250.
Alex Pereira Open to Any Opponent
Besides claiming he remains focused on achieving that third belt, Poatan is not worried about who he will have to face to get there. The Brazilian made it clear he will fight whoever the UFC puts in front of him.
"I'm focused, but I don't have a specific opponent in mind. Like I said, whoever they put in front of me, I'll fight."
Alex Pereira Accepted Recent Defeat
Although Pereira remains determined to become a three-division champion, he also acknowledged that losing is part of the sport. The Brazilian said he has experienced defeat before in his kickboxing career and believes accepting that possibility allows a fighter to return stronger.
"Of course, nobody wants to lose," Pereira said. "I didn't want to lose that fight. It was a very important fight. It's happened to me before, in kickboxing. It's something I never want to get used to, to losing, being defeated, but I know it's part of the sport. And when you accept that it's part of it, that it can happen, you're able to come back stronger."
For now, Pereira doesn't know when he'll step into the Octagon again, but he remains focused on his mission. After falling short in his first attempt, Poatan appears determined to earn another opportunity and finish his pursuit of a third UFC title.
