Alex Pereira Wants To Fight Oleksandr Usyk In September 2025

Alex Pereira is ready to fight Oleksandr Usyk in the boxing ring in September 2025 (Instagram/@alexpoatanpereira).

JAKARTA Light heavyweight champion Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), Alex Pererira, wants to clash with Ukrainian boxing world heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk, in September 2025.

The Brazilian mixed martial arts fighter wanted the duel to take place after hearing an innovative agreement between Saudi Arabia's martial arts promoter, Turkey Alalshikh, and TKO Group Holdings that oversees the UFC.

"I jumped for joy when I learned about the agreement. (Against Oleksandr Usyk) it might (go on) September (2025) in Saudi Arabia," Pereira said as quoted by MMA Fighting.

The collaboration between Turkey Alalshikh and TKO Group Holding is said to be increasingly enabling the best fighter from the UFC and boxing to face each other above the fight arena.

The two organizations negotiated more than a year before finally there was an agreement to present a new, innovative competition.

This deal forms a new boxing promotion that will provide a platform for leading boxers and prospective boxers in the sport.

Pereira welcomed the agreement because it would open up opportunities against Usyk. He on several occasions openly acknowledged the wish.

"I was the first to show interest and then Usyk also showed it. Now we have to look at the interest of the organization. I will be ready," said Pereira.

Pereira is scheduled to take the octagon to defend the UFC lightweight heavyweight belt against Magomed Ankalaev on Saturday, March 8, 2025, in Las Vegas, United States.

On the other hand, Usyk had his last fight for a rematch against Tyson Fury on December 21, 2024. He won the duel to keep his belt.

Usyk held the undisputed world champion status in the heavyweights after winning against Fury in their first fight in May 2024.