Robert Whittaker says he’d welcome Alex Pereira back to light heavyweight for a matchup. Whittaker is coming off a knockout win in his first fight at 205 pounds and is scheduled to face Bogdan Guskov in 2027. Pereira, a former two-time light heavyweight champion, is currently pursuing a heavyweight run after losing his debut in the division.

By the Numbers
  • Whittaker knocked out Nikita Krylov in his light heavyweight debut.
  • Pereira is 39 and has held the light heavyweight title twice.
Yes, But

Pereira’s return to 205 pounds depends on how his heavyweight run unfolds. He has said he’ll move back down if his size puts him at a persistent disadvantage, and expects to pursue the light heavyweight title immediately.

State of Play
  • Whittaker is booked to fight Guskov at UFC Sydney in 2027.
  • Pereira is scheduled to face Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 335 next month after being knocked out by Ciryl Gane in his heavyweight debut.
What's Next

Pereira’s fight with Pavlovich could shape whether he stays at heavyweight or returns to 205 pounds. A move back would put a potential Whittaker matchup in play, though no fight has been announced.

Bottom Line

Whittaker is open to a high-profile fight, but Pereira’s next move—and any showdown between them—hinges on the outcome of Pereira’s heavyweight campaign.