Alex Pereira reveals what’s next if he loses to Sergei Pavlovich

While UFC 333 is the center of focus in MMA at present, one of the biggest stars in the sport returns to action in December. 

Former two-weight champion Alex Pereira tried to make history at UFC Freedom 250 by becoming the first three-weight champion.  That attempt fell short, though, as Ciryl Gane knocked Pereira out in the second round.

However, the dream isn’t buried just yet. Pereira is adamant about making history and doing what’s long been viewed as unthinkable. 

Announced just weeks ago, UFC 335 will feature two major bouts. Charles Oliveira and Diego Lopes headline for the BMF title. In the co-main, Pereira returns to face one of the world’s most dangerous strikers, Sergei Pavlovich. 

MORE: Charles Oliveira vs. Diego Lopes headlines monster UFC 335 event

Pavlovich is a freight train, always moving forward with intent to end the fight with one punch. Pereira’s lateral movement and footwork will be pivotal, along with his patented leg kicks to slow Pavlovich down. 

It’s a cliché, but this does truly feel like a 50/50 fight. Either fighter has the power to end the bout on their first clean land. 

With Pereira jumping back into the deep end of the heavyweight pool, major questions remain about what a second straight loss would mean. 

Luckily, Pereira gave the MMA world an answer on what would happen if that scenario plays out. 

A loss at UFC 335 will send Alex Pereira back to 205 lbs

Speaking with Uncrowned’s Ariel Helwani, Pereira remained confident he’ll stay at heavyweight because he’ll beat Pavlovich. However, Pereira wasn’t shy about what would happen if he suffered a second straight loss at heavyweight. 

“Pavlovich is a dangerous guy. I’ve always said this. I want to win, but I can lose too. If I lose, I’m not going to stay at heavyweight. 

Everyone knows I’m lighter than all those heavyweights. So I’m not going to keep trying to match their strength when I could do something else and be better off.”

Big picture, the quote is great news for MMA fans, because it suggests Pereira will keep competing regardless of what happens at UFC 335. 

It’s also just wise thinking on Pereira’s part. A second loss would put Pereira at the bottom of the heavyweight queue. He could walk back into a light heavyweight title shot, depending on how the division plays out in the near future. 

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