Michael Bisping believes a big win from Alex Pereira could have ripple effects far beyond the heavyweight division, even potentially pulling Jon Jones back into the UFC picture.
Alex Pereira will attempt to become a three-division UFC champion when he faces Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title. The fight sits at the center of a shifting title landscape that could eventually lead to a unification bout with Tom Aspinall.
Bisping sees Jones interest if Pereira makes history
For Michael Bisping Pereira’s rise could be enough to interest Jon Jones again after his exit from the promotion. In an interview with MMA Junkie, he gave his take:
“If Alex Pereira wins, pulls it off, becomes a three-weight division champion, I’ve got a funny feeling that a certain someone will be reaching out and going, ‘You know what? I fancy that Alex Pereira fight.'”
Bisping is still picking Cyril Gane to win
Bisping also noted the matchup itself is a close call, with Gane’s heavyweight experience and movement giving him a slight edge, while Pereira brings power and unpredictability in his first true test at the weight.
“He looks big. He looks solid. We all know his track record.”
“I think that’s going to be Fight of the Night.”
“No one knows really completely confidently which way to lean on this. I’m leaning toward Ciryl Gane, if I’m honest, because he’s got the track record at heavyweight.”