UFC White House: Alex Pereira completes heavyweight transformation before bid for history

The pair are fighting for the interim heavyweight belt in champion Tom Aspinall’s absence, with the Briton recovering from an eye injury sustained in his bout with Gane in October.

Gane’s fluidity could cause problems for Pereira, but the Brazilian’s trademark power is being predicted to be even more effective at heavyweight.

In Pereira’s 12 UFC fights since his debut in 2021, he has knocked out eight opponents.

“The weight was never an issue. I already walked very heavy. I walked at 220-230lb, even when I went down to 185lb,” said Pereira.

“I felt good, this was the time, and it feels great and natural for me.”

The one-of-a-kind show on the White House’s South Lawn, called UFC Freedom 250, is taking place on US President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday as part of celebrations to mark 250 years of American independence.

The White House has hosted recreational sports and events before, but the UFC’s show will mark the first professional live sporting event to take place on the grounds.

The UFC has spent about $60m (£44.3m) on the event, with White describing it as having the potential to be the “biggest and most historic sporting event of all time”.