Michael Bisping discusses why Alex Pereira should avoid returning to middleweight and instead set his sights on heavyweight

Michael Bisping recently discussed Alex Pereira expressing interest in returning to middleweight and urged the Brazilian to consider a move to heavyweight instead. He noted that changing divisions could also jeopardize other fighters because they would have to wait for an extended period for a title shot.

Pereira took to his social media and made it known that he intends to challenge Dricus du Plessis regardless of the result of his light heavyweight title bout against Khalil Rountree. 'Stillknocks' later clapped back, which sparked discussion among the MMA community.

During the latest episode of his Believe You Me podcast with guest Asim Zaidi, the former middleweight champion suggested that the Brazilian attempt a historical feat by becoming the first three-division UFC champion. Bisping mentioned that Pereira moving down would stall two divisions, especially considering that he would require additional time for his weight cut to 185 pounds. He said:

"At 185 [pounds], [Pereira] did get slept by 'Izzy' and that's gotta be because of the weight cut...I'm not saying he wouldn't win the fight [against du Plessis] but he's already been 185 [pound] champ, he's a 205 [pound] champ. I say...if he beats Khalil [Rountree] and then beats Magomed Ankalaev maybe one or two more, go up to heavyweight and try to become a three-weight champion." [20:11 - 20:39]

Check out the full episode of Michael Bisping's Believe You Me podcast below:

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Asim Zaidi agrees with Michael Bisping's assessment on Alex Pereira possibly returning to middleweight

Asim Zaidi chimed in and agreed with Michael Bisping's assessment on Alex Pereira possibly returning to middleweight after his upcoming bout against Khalil Rountree and why he should reconsider.

During the aforementioned episode, the Karate Combat president mentioned that although Pereira is capable of making 185 pounds, the weight-cut could drastically affect his performance. He said:

"I think a big mistake fighters make is they say, 'If I can make the weight, why not do it?' But that's not the case. Can you perform at that weight? And the chin may not have held up at 185 [pounds], so I agree with you. Let's go to 205 [pounds], solidify your title. Go up to heavyweight, three weight-class champion." [20:41 - 21:01]

Check out Alex Pereira's comments regarding a return to middleweight below: