Alex Pereira is set to make his heavyweight debut this weekend as he takes on Ciryl Gane for the interim championship on the South Lawn of the White House at UFC Freedom 250.

The Brazilian is aiming to become a three-weight champion in the UFC, which would make him the first fighter to do so in the company’s history, further cementing his status as one of the greatest to ever grace the Octagon.

In fact, Dana White has already said if Pereira does defeat Gane and become the interim heavyweight champion, he’ll overtake Jon Jones in the GOAT debate.

Alex Pereira’s Meteoric Rise in the UFC

Given his reputation and his status, it’s easy to forget that Pereira has only been an active fighter in the UFC for five years. In that time, however, he’s conquered the middleweight division, conquered the light heavyweight division, and is ready to conquer the heavyweight division as well.

With 12 fights under the UFC banner in those five years, the Brazilian has only lost twice. He was beaten by Israel Adesanya for the middleweight championship back at UFC 287 in 2023, before losing his light heavyweight strap to Magomed Ankalaev two years later at UFC 313.

However, Pereira’s resume is already seriously impressive. Not only has he won the middleweight championship and the light heavyweight championship, he’s beaten some stellar names in the process.

Sean Strickland, Adesanya, Jan Błachowicz, Jiri Prochazka, Jamahal Hill, Khalil Rountree Jr, and Ankalaev have all tasted defeat at the hands of Poatan, giving him a rather impressive professional MMA record of 13-3.

Pereira’s Body Transformation Throughout UFC Years

Dominating three divisions comes with its challenges, none more so than making weight for said division. From middleweight to now heavyweight, Pereira has got himself into shape with relative ease throughout the years, and his body transformation has been highlighted, as can be seen in the above X post by Championship Rounds.

Straight away, it’s easy to see just how much bulkier Pereira’s frame is at heavyweight than what it was at middleweight, and that should be no surprise. At middleweight, the weight limit is 185lbs, whereas at heavyweight, the limit is often around the 265lbs mark.

It’s already been reported that Pereira is weighing around 258lbs as fight week has arrived, meaning he’s in good shape ahead of his debut in the division.

Thierry Henry has named two outsiders he thinks can shock the world and emerge victorious at the 2026 World Cup, as well as his top contenders.

This summer’s tournament, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, gets underway on June 11.

The 48 nations that are taking part in the competition will all have aspirations that they can lift the trophy at MetLife Stadium on July 19.

Argentina will be looking to retain their title, while France, Spain, England and Brazil are among the sides that have the quality to go all the way.

Thierry Henry Names His World Cup Favourites

Mandel Ngan via Reuters

Arsenal legend Henry knows a thing or two about winning the World Cup. He was part of the France squad that was crowned world champions for the first time in 1998.

Didier Deschamps is taking France into a major tournament for the final time this summer. The 57-year-old has named a very strong squad as Les Bleus look to be crowned world champions for a third time. Henry thinks they are the favourites. Speaking to Sports Illustrated, he said:

When asked to name France’s best strength, Henry replied:

“On the bench. It sounds simple, but squad depth is crucial. If your substitutes are on par with the starting eleven, it’s a huge advantage, especially in such a long tournament after an intense season.”

Thierry Names Talks Up Senegal and Norway’s Chances

Ints Kalnins Via Reuters

Henry also named other nations that he thinks are ‘promising candidates’ to win the competition. He told Betway:

“As for Germany, I’m waiting for them to rediscover their best form. Germany has qualified, and that’s the most important thing. Sometimes you can even play better with less pressure. In any case, I wish Julian Nagelsmann and his team all the best – unless they play against France.”

France, Senegal and Norway have all been paired together in a very tough group. Despite this, Henry thinks all three sides can win the competition.

He added: “Senegal has always been a country with special players, they just couldn’t get over the line by winning an AFCON. It’s been done since, and since that 2002 team they’ve never looked back.

“It’s good for France to start that way, because you have to be ready right from the start. There won’t be any easy games and you play against two outstanding teams.”

Senegal have never been past the quarter-finals at a World Cup. Norway’s best finish at the World Cup came in 1998 when they got to the round of 16.

A decision has already been made on whether Somali referee Omar Artan can take charge of 2026 World Cup matches in Canada and Mexico after being barred by the United States.

The 34-year-old was set to become the first ref from Somalia to officiate at a World Cup finals after making FIFA’s final list for the showpiece international tournament.

Named Africa’s best referee, Artan is widely regarded as a hero to people in his home country. He was interviewed for 11 hours by a border official and asked why he had travelled to the United States, while being pressed on questions around Somali politics and militant groups, according to The New York Times, via Sports Illustrated.

Artan is understood to have presented his FIFA documentation and single-entry visa but was placed on a plane to Istanbul, Turkey, before returning to his home country.

A US official told ESPN that Artan was denied entry due to “association with suspected members of terror organisations.”

Canadian Politicians Send World Cup Invitation to Artan

Although Artan has now returned to Somalia, the FIFA-listed referee has been sent a World Cup invitation by Canadian politicians.

British Columbia Premier David Eby, the political leader overseeing the seven World Cup fixtures in Vancouver, has expressed his desire to welcome the barred referee to BC and Canada for the tournament.

“Mr. Artan would be welcomed and celebrated in British Columbia for what he’s overcome and where he is today,” Eby said on social media. “Let’s have him referee in Vancouver.”

Meanwhile, Toronto mayor Olivia Chow, whose city are set to host six World Cup matches, said in a statement: “Denying entry to Omar Artan, who has earned his place on the world stage through hard work and perseverance, is not right. Toronto believes in fairness, inclusion, and giving talent the opportunity to shine.

Decision on Artan Refereeing Games in Canada and Mexico

Sports Illustrated add that Artan “would likely be allowed entry and could officiate in some of the 13 games, split between Vancouver and Toronto”.

However, BBC Sport have explained why this isn’t a possibility after Artan was sent home.

It’s been confirmed that it would not be possible for Artan to stay outside the United States and only referee matches played in Canada or Mexico.

The reason is that referees’ chief Pierluigi Collina has created a training hub for the tournament’s 52 referees and 88 assistant referees in Miami.

All on-pitch officials have been told they must stay at the base in Florida for training, preparation and security.

The fact Artan has been denied entry into the United States means he wouldn’t be able to attend the training hub in Miami, ending any remaining hope of him refereeing at the tournament.