‘I believe it can happen’: UFC superstar Alex Pereira calls out Oleksandr Usyk for shock boxing bout

In a stunning turn of events, UFC superstar Alex Pereira has publicly called out undisputed heavyweight boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk, sending shockwaves through the combat sports world. The idea of one of MMA’s most lethal strikers stepping into the ring with one of boxing’s pound-for-pound best is as intriguing as it is unexpected.

As the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion, Pereira has destroyed countless opponents with his devastating kickboxing background and knockout power. However, with age becoming a factor, the Brazilian powerhouse is now looking for a high-profile payday, and a bout with Usyk could be the perfect opportunity.

At 37 years old, Pereira knows that time is not on his side when it comes to competing at the highest level in MMA. While he remains dominant in the UFC, the appeal of stepping into a boxing ring for a multi-million-dollar payday is hard to ignore. Fighters like Conor McGregor, Francis Ngannou, and Tyson Fury have all drawn massive attention and financial rewards from crossover fights, and now Pereira wants to carve out his own piece of the pie.

“I Believe This Fight Can” Happen”—Pereira Confident in Mega-Fight Possibility

During a recent appearance on Straight Talk with Mark Bouris, Pereira made headlines by expressing his belief that a fight with Usyk is not just wishful thinking—it’s a real possibility.

“I’ve said before that I really want to do a boxing match,” Pereira stated via his translator.

“Since I’m the champion, I said it would have to be against a champion. And now Usyk has mentioned my name in an interview.”

“This is something I want, and he wants it too. Plus, both organizations—boxing and the UFC—are working more closely together now, so I truly believe this fight can happen.”

His statement immediately sparked debates across the fight world, with fans speculating on whether this crossover bout could materialize. The UFC and boxing world have rarely collaborated, but in recent years, the growing appeal of crossover fights has changed the landscape of combat sports.

If this fight comes to fruition, it would undoubtedly be one of the biggest combat sports events of the year. Pereira is known for his devastating left hook and surgical striking, while Usyk’s elite footwork, precision, and boxing IQ make him one of the most difficult challenges any fighter could face in the ring.

What’s Next for Pereira and Usyk?

Right now, Pereira is scheduled to defend his 205-pound title on March 9 against Magomed Ankalaev, a dangerous opponent in his own right. However, with his extensive kickboxing background, Pereira could transition into a boxing match much easier than most MMA fighters. Unlike grappling-heavy fighters who struggle with pure boxing, Pereira’s stand-up game is already at an elite level.

Meanwhile, Usyk (23-0) is on course for a heavyweight title unification bout, awaiting the winner of this weekend’s clash between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker. However, the Ukrainian champion has already gone on record stating that he is open to fighting Pereira in the future.

Usyk is no stranger to facing unconventional opponents. He has taken on the biggest names in boxing, including Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury, proving his dominance at the highest level. If Pereira does step into the boxing ring, he will be facing a master technician who has outclassed some of the best heavyweights in history.

Could the UFC allow Pereira to box?

One of the biggest obstacles standing in the way of this fight is the UFC’s stance on crossover bouts. Historically, Dana White and UFC executives have been hesitant to let their fighters compete in boxing matches outside the promotion.

The one major exception was Conor McGregor’s 2017 showdown with Floyd Mayweather, which generated over $600 million in revenue. Since then, White has shut down most similar requests, but with the rise of crossover superfights, attitudes may be shifting.

Pereira has been a loyal company man, often stepping in to save pay-per-view cards on short notice. If anyone can convince Dana White to greenlight a boxing bout, it might be Pereira, especially if the fight promises a huge payday for both the UFC and Pereira himself.

How Would Pereira Fare Against Usyk?

The burning question remains: Does Alex Pereira stand a chance against Usyk in a boxing match?

On paper, Usyk is a nightmare matchup for any fighter. His movement, defensive awareness, and ability to outbox bigger opponents make him one of the most technical boxers of this era. He neutralized Anthony Joshua’s power, frustrated Tyson Fury, and remains undefeated in the sport.

However, Pereira’s striking in MMA is second to none. His knockout power is undeniable, and if he can land a clean shot, even Usyk could be in trouble. But unlike the wide-open striking exchanges in MMA, boxing is a different game—one that requires elite-level endurance, footwork, and head movement.

For Pereira to be successful, he would need to close the distance quickly, cut off the ring, and hope to land a fight-changing punch. Otherwise, Usyk could simply outpoint him for 12 rounds.

The Combat Sports World Is Watching

While the fight is far from confirmed, the possibility alone has captured the combat sports world’s imagination. Fans love crossover fights, and a bout between Usyk and Pereira would undoubtedly generate massive pay-per-view sales.

With Pereira actively pursuing the fight and Usyk showing interest, all eyes are now on the UFC, Dana White, and boxing promoters to see if they can come to an agreement. If they do, fight fans could be in for one of the most electrifying combat sports events in recent memory.

Will Pereira defy the odds and shock the world? Or will Usyk prove once again why he’s one of the greatest boxers of this generation? Only time will tell.