Former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has expressed interest in moving back up to light heavyweight to welcome Alex Pereira back to the 205-pound division. The New Zealand-born fighter was photographed during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on July 11, 2026, where he discussed the potential matchup.
Whittaker, who previously competed at light heavyweight early in his UFC career, sees a fight with Pereira as a compelling opportunity. Pereira, a former two-division champion, has competed at both middleweight and light heavyweight in the UFC.
The potential bout would mark Whittaker's return to the light heavyweight division after an extended run at 185 pounds, where he held the championship and remained a top contender for years.
