Alex Pereira Prioritizes Oleksandr Usyk Over Jake Paul Match

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has shifted his focus away from a potential boxing match with Jake Paul, instead aiming for a high-stakes bout against heavyweight champion Oleksandr Usyk. Pereira’s change of heart comes after both fighters shared a FaceTime call last summer, which seemingly sparked interest in a crossover match.

Following his recent victory, Pereira expressed his determination to pursue a fight with Usyk rather than Paul. “I think that was more for the media, for the hype,” Pereira said in a recent interview with Bloody Elbow. “I don’t necessarily know if that makes a lot of sense. Maybe for an exhibition match or something like that, but honestly I’m on another level. Granted he is a boxer now, but I just feel like I’m different, on a different level.”

Usyk, an undisputed heavyweight champion and former cruiserweight king, has successfully defeated all challengers since moving up in weight, making him a top target for Pereira’s ambitions in boxing. Pereira remarked, “I liked that a lot. I have obviously mentioned before my desire to box one day and I’d like to face the champion. So I think that’s the fight that would make sense if I were to go and box. But if he’s no longer the champion, then what makes sense is for me to do a fight where it’s champion vs champion.”

Pereira is set to compete next week in a pivotal fight that could solidify his dominance in the light-heavyweight division, but his sights remain set on the boxing ring in the long term.

Meanwhile, the UFC is experiencing challenges leading up to UFC Vegas 103, where two undercard fights were canceled due to weigh-in issues. The headlining fight features top flyweight contenders Manel Kape and Amir Albabayev, aiming to determine title positioning.

Flyweight competitor Carolina De La Rosa was unable to meet the required weight for her scheduled fight after struggling with the weight cut, missing the limit by three pounds. The Nevada State Athletic Commission, citing regulations, refused to allow the fight to continue at a catchweight, despite De La Rosa’s willingness to compete under different terms.

In a separate incident, bantamweight fighter Matheus Silva was pulled from his fight for unspecified medical reasons, contributing to the event’s setbacks. Despite these issues, Kape and Albabayev are expected to deliver an exciting main event for fans on Saturday evening.

Kape enters the fight with a strong record, recently achieving a decisive win at UFC Tampa. He has claimed victory in five of his last six bouts, enhancing his reputation within the promotion. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how these fights unfold at UFC Vegas 103.