Ryan Garcia wants to train with Alex Pereira after admiring his boxing talent: "Let’s make it happen"
Ryan Garcia was impressed by Alex Pereira's finishing ability in boxing. Pereira is one of the most accomplished combat sports athletes and has been one of the most dependable fighters since transitioning to the UFC.
Recently, highlights from Pereira's amateur boxing fights went viral. The Brazilian can be seen knocking out several opponents with his trademark left hook in the video montage.
The video was re-posted by @HappyPunch on X. Garcia responded to the video and wrote:
"People don’t understand how hard it is to knock out people cold in the amateurs. I would love to train with Alex. Let’s make it happen."
While Pereira's amateur boxing highlights are impressive, he has done his best work in kickboxing and MMA. The 37-year-old was a two-division Glory Kickboxing champion and has captured two divisional titles in the UFC.
He is currently the UFC light heavyweight champion and will attempt the third defense of the title against No.8-ranked Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307 on Oct. 6.
In November 2023, Pereira became the third inductee in the Glory Kickboxing Hall of Fame after Joe Valtellini and Semmy Schilt.
Apart from Garcia, former heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has also taken note of Pereira's boxing skills in the past. A few days after Pereira's UFC 303 win over Jiri Prochazka, Joshua took to X and wrote:
"Alex Pereira should make a boxing debut one day."
Ryan Garcia wants Teofimo Lopez in his comeback fight
Ryan Garcia is currently serving a one-year suspension for testing positive for banned substances in the Devin Haney fight in April.
However, the 26-year-old is already making moves for the comeback fight and recently expressed the desire to fight WBO and The Ring light welterweight champion Teofimo Lopez in April 2025:
"Ryan Garcia vs Teofimo Lopez For my return in April. Let’s make it happen Teo."
A few days ago, 'KingRy' and Jose Valenzuela verbally agreed to a 145-pound catchweight bout during an Instagram live. However, responding to a fan's question in the comments section of his recent post, Garcia claimed that Venezuela will be fighting Gervonta Davis next.