Alex Pereira Inks New UFC Contract: 'They Took Really Good Care of Me'

The former light heavyweight champion is happy with his new deal despite giving up the title.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:09pm

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Alex Pereira has signed a new contract with the UFC, and the former light heavyweight champion is very pleased with the terms. Pereira said the promotion "took really good care" of him in the new deal, which is for eight fights, though he did not disclose any financial details. Despite forfeiting his title, which will now be contested between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg, Pereira is focused on his upcoming interim heavyweight title fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250.

Why it matters

Pereira is one of the UFC's biggest stars, and this new contract signals the promotion's commitment to keeping him in the fold. The former champion's public negotiation battles had raised some questions, but this new deal appears to have satisfied both sides. Pereira's willingness to give up his title also shows his confidence in his abilities to capture gold in a new weight class.

The details

Pereira (13-2 MMA, 10-2 UFC) said the UFC offered him a new contract ahead of his UFC Freedom 250 bout against Ciryl Gane (13-2 MMA, 10-1 UFC) on June 14 at the White House in Washington, D.C. The 38-year-old Brazilian fighter was happy with the terms, stating, "They gave me a new contract. I'm actually really, really happy with my new contract. I actually want to thank Mick, Hunter, and Dana White for it." Pereira forfeited the light heavyweight title, which will now be contested between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg at UFC 327 on April 11.

  • Pereira's new UFC contract was announced on March 16, 2026.
  • Pereira's interim heavyweight title fight against Ciryl Gane will take place on June 14, 2026 at UFC Freedom 250.
  • The UFC light heavyweight title fight between Jiri Prochazka and Carlos Ulberg will happen on April 11, 2026 at UFC 327.

The players

Alex Pereira

A 38-year-old Brazilian fighter who is a former UFC light heavyweight champion and is now set to compete for the interim heavyweight title.

Ciryl Gane

A French heavyweight fighter who will face Pereira for the interim UFC heavyweight title at UFC Freedom 250.

Jiri Prochazka

A Czech light heavyweight fighter who will face Carlos Ulberg for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 327.

Carlos Ulberg

A New Zealand light heavyweight fighter who will face Jiri Prochazka for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title at UFC 327.

Dana White

The president of the UFC who was involved in negotiating Pereira's new contract.

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What they’re saying

“They gave me a new contract. I'm actually really, really happy with my new contract. I actually want to thank Mick, Hunter, and Dana White for it.”

— Alex Pereira, UFC Fighter (The Ariel Helwani Show)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This new contract for one of the UFC's biggest stars, Alex Pereira, shows the promotion's commitment to keeping its top talent despite Pereira forfeiting his light heavyweight title. The willingness of both sides to reach a deal that Pereira is happy with is a positive sign for the UFC's ability to retain its marquee fighters.