The MMA world is once again buzzing after the release of new training footage of Alex Pereira, and this time, the stakes are higher than ever. The former middleweight champion has been putting in serious work, and the latest footage shows him preparing for an unexpected move—training to potentially fight at heavyweight. This revelation has sent shockwaves throughout the MMA community, with top fighters and UFC figures such as Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall, Francis Ngannou, Joe Rogan, and Dana White all reacting to the news.

The footage itself is nothing short of terrifying. Pereira, known for his unparalleled striking and devastating knockout power, is now looking to pack on muscle and elevate his game to an entirely new weight class. But this drastic shift in his career path has raised questions about how he’ll fare against the absolute giants of the sport in the heavyweight division.

The Scary New Footage: Pereira Bulked Up and Ready to Dominate

In the recently released footage, we see a much bigger and more powerful Alex Pereira than we’re used to. Known for his striking brilliance in the middleweight division, Pereira has always been a physical specimen, but now, he’s visibly putting on serious muscle mass, showcasing his transition to potentially fighting at heavyweight.

The video shows Pereira lifting heavy weights, drilling explosive movements, and working on his conditioning to withstand the power of the bigger fighters. His composure, speed, and technical skills remain intact, even as he adds more size to his frame. Fans were quick to note that Pereira’s movement still appears fluid, despite the added bulk—a potentially ominous sign for anyone in the heavyweight division.

His raw power, combined with his formidable striking ability, is already making fans and analysts alike nervous. But it’s not just the fans reacting—top fighters and analysts have begun expressing their thoughts on Pereira’s potential move to the heaviest division in the UFC.

Jon Jones Reacts: ‘This Is No Joke’

When you think of heavyweight dominance, one name immediately comes to mind: Jon Jones. As the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, Jones has been the gold standard for years. Seeing Pereira move up to heavyweight naturally caught his attention, and Jones shared his thoughts in a recent interview:

“This is no joke,” Jones said, when asked about Pereira’s potential move to heavyweight. “Alex is already one of the most dangerous strikers the UFC has ever seen, and now he’s getting bigger? If that power translates up to heavyweight, he’s gonna be a real problem for anyone. Guys like me, Tom Aspinall, and Francis Ngannou better be ready. This isn’t just about the striking; it’s about that lethal mindset he has—he’s dangerous wherever he goes.”

Jones, always confident in his abilities but respectful of opponents’ talents, acknowledged that Pereira is an undeniable threat, especially if he continues to build out his game for the heavyweight division. The prospect of a potential matchup between Jones and Pereira is now a topic of heated debate among fans and pundits alike.

Tom Aspinall’s Take: ‘Pereira Is A Wild Card’

Tom Aspinall, one of the rising stars of the heavyweight division, also weighed in on Pereira’s new training regimen. Aspinall, who has quickly established himself as one of the most dangerous young heavyweights in the world, sees Pereira’s move as an unpredictable wildcard.

“Pereira is a wild card in this division now,” Aspinall said in a recent interview. “We’ve seen how good he is at middleweight, but with the size he’s adding, he could be a real problem for the heavyweights. He’s not just powerful, he’s technical. And that makes him incredibly dangerous. But moving up in weight also comes with challenges—he’s going to have to deal with the grappling, the clinch, and the overall pace of heavyweights. It’s a different world up here.”

Aspinall’s perspective emphasizes the unknowns that come with Pereira’s transition. While Pereira’s striking may carry over, the heavyweights are known for their physicality, and the clinch game and grappling exchanges are just as important as the striking. It remains to be seen whether Pereira can adapt fully to these aspects of the heavyweight game.

Francis Ngannou’s Warning: ‘Don’t Take Him Lightly’

When talking about the power and ferocity of the UFC’s heavyweight division, you can’t ignore the former champion Francis Ngannou. Known for his devastating knockout power, Ngannou himself has faced the biggest, most dangerous fighters in the division and is one of the hardest hitters in UFC history. When he heard about Pereira’s training for heavyweight, Ngannou didn’t hold back.

“Don’t take him lightly,” Ngannou said in a recent comment on social media. “He’s got the skills and the mentality to compete at heavyweight. The striking is always going to be there. What he needs to prove is how he can handle the pressure and power of the bigger guys. But I won’t underestimate him. That’s a mistake a lot of fighters make.”

Ngannou’s warning is clear: Pereira’s power is real, and the added weight could make him even more dangerous. Ngannou himself is no stranger to crushing power, but he’s also aware that Pereira has a unique approach to striking that could pose a challenge to anyone in the division, including himself.

Joe Rogan: ‘Pereira is Going to Shock People’

Joe Rogan, ever the commentator and analyst, has been a huge supporter of Alex Pereira and his evolution as a fighter. In a recent episode of his podcast, Rogan expressed his belief that Pereira’s move to heavyweight could be more successful than many are giving him credit for.

“Pereira is going to shock people. He’s a completely different animal now. We’ve seen him at middleweight—his precision, his power. But what happens when that power gets even bigger? Heavyweight is all about who can impose their will, and Alex is one of the few guys who can do that. He’s putting in the work, and if that translates into real results, the heavyweight division better be on notice.”

Rogan’s excitement for Pereira’s potential is palpable, and it’s clear that he believes the former middleweight champ’s move to heavyweight could be something that completely changes the game.

Dana White’s Take: ‘Pereira Is A Freak of Nature’

Finally, UFC President Dana White has weighed in, and as always, his opinion is as valuable as any fighter’s. White has been one of the most vocal supporters of Pereira’s rise in the UFC, and now, as the Brazilian is transitioning into a heavier division, White is backing his move.

“Pereira is a freak of nature,” White said. “This guy has been fighting at middleweight, dominating, and now he’s getting bigger, stronger, and faster. He’s dangerous. He has the potential to do damage in the heavyweight division, and if he stays on this trajectory, we’re in for something special.”

Conclusion: Pereira’s Next Chapter—A Heavyweight Threat?

Alex Pereira’s move to heavyweight has set the MMA world on fire. With top fighters, coaches, and commentators all reacting to his transformation, one thing is clear: Pereira is a serious threat in any division. His striking is world-class, his power is off the charts, and his evolution as a complete fighter is frightening to anyone in the UFC.

Whether Pereira’s journey to the top of the heavyweight division will be as successful as it has been in middleweight remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Alex Pereira is not a fighter you can afford to overlook. As he continues his heavy-duty training, he’s proving that his intensity and drive will carry him as far as he wants to go—perhaps all the way to heavyweight gold.