Robelis Despaigne believes Alex Pereira can knock out Jon Jones at heavyweight

Alex Pereira is hinting at a move to the heavyweight division in pursuit of a third UFC championship, and towering knockout specialist Robelis Despaigne thinks Poatan has the tools to dominate in the heavier class.

Despaigne, aiming for a perfect 6-0 record in 2025, faces Sam Alvey this Friday in Florida for the Karate Combat title. Days before his bout, Despaigne sparred with the UFC light heavyweight champion at Fusion X-Cel Performance in Orlando.

I wasnt planning to go that day because I had a grueling training session the day before, Despaigne told MMA Fighting. But the coach called and said Pereiras team wanted him to train with a really big guy. I went, and we had a round together. It turned out to be very productive for both of us. I didnt expect it to gain so much attention, but it was a valuable session.

Pereira started his UFC journey at middleweight before moving up after losing the belt to Israel Adesanya. He eventually won, defended, and recently reclaimed the 205-pound title with a first-round knockout of Magomed Ankalaev.

In my eyes, Pereira is essentially a heavyweight, Despaigne said. He has the power of a heavyweight, weighing around 240 pounds, similar to Ciryl Gane in competition shape. He cuts to 205 but could even make 185 if he chose. He can compete at almost any division.

With a potential superfight against Jon Jones scheduled for UFCs planned White House card in 2026, Despaigne believes Pereira has a genuine shot at defeating the MMA legend. If Jones slips up, Pereira can put him to sleep, Despaigne said. It wont be easy Jones is elite. It will be a highly anticipated fight with huge fan interest. Pereira has striking, Jones has wrestling. It will be fascinating to see who comes out on top.

Despaigne and Alvey, both UFC veterans, have found greater success in Karate Combat. Alvey captured the heavyweight title with a powerful knockout of veteran striker Tyrone Spong, a result that surprised many.

We expected a tough fight, but he knocked him out convincingly, Despaigne noted. It didnt seem easy, considering Spongs experience, but Alvey capitalized perfectly. What surprised me was how quickly he won; I expected it to go at least three or four rounds.

The Cuban heavyweight, an Olympic bronze medalist in Taekwondo, secured a title shot with three victories in one night last July, defeating Saulo Cavalari, Tim Johnson, and Zac Pauga.

Alvey is a deserving champion, Despaigne said. Hes held the belt for a long time, knows how to fight, and understands what it takes to compete at this level. It will be a challenging match. Hes strong, and Ill focus on executing our strategy and waiting for him to make a mistake. Winning is what counts; the method doesnt matter.

Author: Riley Thompson