\n<\/p>\n
There\u2019s been a lot of speculation regarding what \u201cPoatan\u201d might do following an upset loss to Ciryl Gane in June. The former middleweight and light heavyweight champion made it clear that winning the heavyweight title is still his top priority.<\/p>\n
\u201cSince I entered the organization, I always take one step at a time,\u201d Pereira said through a translator. \u201cMy objective was to get to the belt, to become champion, and I was able to do that. Then I moved up a division. That was my idea, to become champion in another division. I went after the third belt. This time, this fight did not work out, but I have a lot of willpower and I am very excited for my next fight.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen I am focused on something, I always achieve it, and I will not let it escape next time.\u201d<\/p>\n
With the state of the heavyweight division, Pereira could probably wait until interim champ Ciryl Gane and undisputed champ Tom Aspinall fight to unify the title in the fall and then face the winner. But that\u2019d leave him on the sideline for too long, something \u201cPoatan\u201d is not a fan of.<\/p>\n
\u201cI do not know what will happen, and I do not know how long that fight will take,\u201d Pereira said. \u201cFor sure I want to fight before, and after that I want to fight for the belt.\u201d<\/p>\n
As for who Pereira might fight, the Brazilian sounded indifferent.<\/p>\n
\u201cAny one,\u201d he declared. \u201cI do not have an opponent. I still have not returned to the conversation with the organization, but as I have always been saying, whoever they think they have to put there, I will be fighting.\u201d<\/p>\n