Alex Pereira criticizes “Clown” Dricus Du Plessis: “Definitely an easier fight than against Jon Jones”

Alex Pereira begins to relax at the microphone.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight champion first won gold at middleweight before rising to his current superstar status. Pereira, 37, has made two title defenses in a short period of time but is thinking about becoming champion at the same time, whether at heavyweight or in a return to middleweight.

As soon as the current 185-pound king, Dricus Du Plessissent Pereira's old rival, Israel Adesanyaat UFC 305 (watch highlights), Pereira announced his interest in regaining his previous title. When it comes to “Stillknocks” or Jon Jones Pereira believes the challenge at heavyweight couldn’t be easier than in his current division.

“Dricus is definitely an easier fight than Jon Jones,” Pereira told FULL SEND MMA (h/t MMA Fighting). “I think making weight is going to be harder than the fight, but I dropped out of that weight class because I said my body needed a break of two or three fights without having to make that cut.

“I think I've rested long enough now. I think I can definitely do this and make the fight happen, but it depends on him,” he concluded. “I've shown interest many times, but he never responds.”

Pereira's time at middleweight continues to amaze the community. The Brazilian “Poatan” is one of the biggest fighters in the 205-pound division and his power has had no effect between weight classes.

Ultimately, Pereira just doesn't seem to like the way the South African champion behaves and performs, which sparked an expected reaction.

“The way he presents himself is always a joke when he answers,” said Pereira. “He said the stuff to [Sean] Stricklandfor example. He never means it seriously. He always trolls in some way when the topic is presented to him.

“He never takes it seriously, so it shows that he's scared, you know what I mean?” he concluded. “Instead of just saying, 'Look, UFC. Let's have Pereira and me fight.' Clown.”

“A scared clown, how dare you,” Du Plessis replied on Twitter. “This is going too far. I have already said I will not vote against you or [Strickland]. What else do you want or should I mark your translator?”

Du Plessis is expected to see Strickland as his next title challenger in a rematch of their UFC 297 fight in January 2024. Du Plessis, 30, won the title via a split decision in the fight (watch highlights). Meanwhile, Pereira's next title defense will be against Khalil Rountree Jr. in the main event of UFC 307 next month (Sat., Oct. 5, 2024).