Alex Pereira’s Staggering Weight Cut Before UFC 320 Shocks Fans

The MMA world is buzzing once again as Alex Pereira prepares for his highly anticipated rematch against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 320. With just two weeks left until fight night, the Brazilian powerhouse has revealed that he currently weighs 234lbs (106kg) and must cut down to the light heavyweight limit of 205lbs in only 14 days. This staggering weight cut has left fans both shocked and concerned, reigniting long-standing debates about the dangers and extremes of weight management in mixed martial arts.

Pereira’s Road to UFC 320

The journey leading up to UFC 320 has been anything but smooth for Pereira, who is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous strikers in MMA history. After conquering both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, the 38-year-old has cemented his status as a two-weight UFC champion. However, his first clash with Ankalaev at UFC 313 earlier this year ended in disappointment when he lost his light heavyweight belt via unanimous decision.

That defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, especially after Pereira had looked nearly unstoppable during his run at 205lbs, where he dispatched names like Jiri Prochazka, Jamahal Hill, and Khalil Rountree. The setback against Ankalaev not only cost him the title but also forced him into months of negotiations with the UFC, including a bizarre scandal where he falsely claimed that his social media had been hacked.

Despite the drama, UFC President Dana White confirmed the rematch, setting up one of the biggest main events of 2025. Now, with only days left until fight week, Pereira finds himself in the spotlight once again—this time for the sheer size of his weight cut.

The Insane Numbers Behind Pereira’s Weight Cut

In a recent video circulating on social media, Pereira stepped on the scales at 234lbs, leaving him with a daunting task: shedding nearly 29lbs (13kg) in just two weeks. For most athletes, such a drastic cut would seem impossible, but Pereira has made a career out of defying expectations when it comes to weight management.

This is not unfamiliar territory for “Poatan.” Back in his middleweight days, he regularly trimmed down to 185lbs, a process that demanded incredible discipline and endurance. Yet, even then, fans were astonished by how large and powerful he appeared inside the cage.

Cutting from 234lbs to 205lbs in such a short time may be the most extreme challenge of his career, but Pereira’s track record shows that he has mastered the brutal science of weight cutting. Still, it raises serious questions about the toll it takes on his health and performance.

Fans React to Pereira’s Massive Weight Cut

MMA fans have been quick to share their amazement—and concern—over the numbers. Social media platforms have been flooded with reactions:

• One fan wrote: “How does he do it?”

• Another added: “Wait, I didn’t realise how close this fight was.”

• A third marveled at Pereira’s physique: “Pereira is so lean for 234lbs.”

• And a fourth chimed in with big dreams: “After this, we gotta at least give him a shot at triple champ.”

The idea of Pereira competing at heavyweight is not far-fetched. Just a few months ago, he weighed over 240lbs, sparking speculation that he could test himself in the UFC’s highest division. Given his striking power, many fans believe he could cause serious problems for elite heavyweights if he ever makes the jump.

Pereira’s Legacy of Extreme Weight Cuts

From the very beginning of his UFC career, Alex Pereira has been no stranger to extreme weight cuts. Entering the promotion in 2021 as a middleweight, he made an immediate impact with highlight-reel knockouts and dominant performances. His historic victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 281, where he captured the middleweight title, remains one of the defining moments of his career.

However, his stay at 185lbs was short-lived. The rematch with Adesanya saw him lose the belt, prompting a move up to light heavyweight where his frame and natural size seemed far more sustainable. Despite that, the challenge of making 205lbs is still immense given his walkaround weight, which regularly hovers above 230lbs.

The Dark Side of Weight Cutting

Pereira’s situation has reignited conversations about the dangers of extreme weight cutting. Fighters across the sport have spoken openly about the physical and mental toll these drastic cuts take on athletes.

Former UFC veteran Paul Craig revealed earlier this year that his attempts to cut down to middleweight contributed to developing an eating disorder. Likewise, Kayla Harrison, the current women’s bantamweight champion, has been outspoken about the unhealthy practices and risks that fighters endure to make weight.

Weight cutting is not just about losing fat or water—it often involves dangerous dehydration, which can affect kidney function, cognitive performance, and even put fighters at risk of hospitalization. The UFC has seen several bouts canceled in recent years due to failed weight cuts, and critics continue to call for reform to protect fighters.

What This Means for UFC 320

As UFC 320 approaches, the spotlight will remain firmly on Alex Pereira’s weight cut. Whether he successfully sheds the pounds will not only determine if the fight goes ahead as planned but could also influence his performance in the octagon. A poorly managed cut might leave him depleted, while a well-executed one could see him enter the cage as powerful and explosive as ever.

For Magomed Ankalaev, this fight represents an opportunity to silence doubters and cement his place as the undisputed king of the light heavyweight division. His wrestling-heavy style and durability have already proven effective against Pereira once, and he’ll be eager to replicate that success in Las Vegas.

For Pereira, it’s about redemption. Another loss to Ankalaev would be devastating to his hopes of reclaiming the title, while a win could propel him back into pound-for-pound discussions and open doors to a potential heavyweight run.

Conclusion

The image of Alex Pereira weighing 234lbs with just 14 days to cut down to 205lbs has shocked the MMA world. While fans remain in awe of his discipline and physical ability, many are equally concerned about the long-term consequences of such extreme weight management.

As the countdown to UFC 320 continues, all eyes will be on whether Pereira can make the cut and how it will affect his performance against Magomed Ankalaev. The rematch is more than just a fight—it’s a battle of redemption, endurance, and survival. For “Poatan,” the road ahead is brutally unforgiving, but if there’s one fighter who has shown time and time again that he thrives under pressure, it’s Alex Pereira.