In a short span of three years, Alex Pereir has captured the hearts of fans and the titles in two divisions of the UFC. Now, ‘Poatan’ has set his sights on making history and becoming the first person to capture three titles with a move up to heavyweight. But before he can do that, the former two-division world champion believes Pereira needs to fight wrestlers to prepare himself for heavyweight.

Georges St-Pierre was recently interviewed about Pereira and his future at heavyweight.

‘Rush’ claimed that while Poatan was the best striker in the light heavyweight division, questions linger about how he would fare against a heavyweight wrestler. He added:

“I think he needs to answer that before he tries to go to heavyweight. Because at heavyweight you’ve got Tom Aspinall, you’ve got Jon Jones. These guys are very good wrestlers.”

‘Rush’ added that both Aspinall and Jon Jones are good strikers, but also good wrestlers who can get a fight to the ground and keep it there. St-Pierre believes Pereira should fight someone who is good at wrestling at light heavyweight.

And if he manages to get a win against such a fighter, then and only then should he move up to a heavier weight and try to fight for his third title in the UFC.

As it stands, Pereira may try this out in his next fight.

Pereira takes big step up in competition

Pereira successfully defended his light heavyweight title for the second time earlier this year against Jiri Prochazka. After the win, fans and Joe Rogan were adamant that he should move up in weight and challenge Jon Jones. However, there are a few questions that Pereira needs to answer at light heavyweight.

The UFC will most likely give the next title shot to Magomed Ankalaev, who checks all the boxes that St-Pierre has set. If he can beat Ankalaev, ‘Poatan’ should consider moving up to heavyweight to challenge Tom Aspinall, Jon Jones and more. That said, getting past Ankalaev is easier said than done, especially if the Russian doesn’t repeat the mistakes of his predecessor by trying to back and trade the Brazilian.