UFC star Alex Pereira has opened up on his decision to make the jump up to the promotion’s heavyweight division.

Fight fans are well aware of the pedigree that Alex Pereira has in mixed martial arts and in combat sports in general. The Brazilian sensation has achieved some wonderful things since his career started, and now, he stands on the verge of history.

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In his next fight against Ciryl Gane, Pereira has the chance to win a third weight class world title in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, something that has never been done before, whether it be interim or not.

In a recent interview, Pereira spoke in more detail about his move to heavyweight, why it’s happening now, and what he expects his weight to be.

Pereira discusses UFC heavyweight plans

“Well, I think the right moment is now,” Pereira told Paramount about the timing for his move to heavyweight. “At certain points before but I don’t really remember when we could have moved up to heavyweight but it would have felt a bit forced. Not now. Now it’s happening very naturally, in a perfect fight.

“This fight was supposed to happen earlier, at the first event of the year but for a few reasons it didn’t happen and now this has become a big moment.”

“Around [242 pounds],” Pereira said about how much he’ll weigh on fight night. “Not too heavy, I was heavier before though. I got up to [258 pounds] and then I gradually started cutting back down.”

“I was at [242 pounds], then I dropped to [205 pounds],” Pereira said. “Now doing the math is difficult.”

Quotes via MMA Fighting

Do you believe that Alex Pereira has what it takes to become the first three-weight world champion in UFC history? Let us know your thoughts on this in the comments below, BJPENN Nation!