Oleksandr Usyk has suggested a possible transition to MMA following a challenge from UFC sensation Alex Pereira.
However, Usyk`s immediate priority is a rematch with Daniel Dubois for the undisputed heavyweight championship in boxing.
In an interview with Al Arabiya News, Usyk stated, “We want to fight Dubois. My team is ready.”
He added, “Much depends on God`s will and also on His Excellency, Turki Alalshikh, who is capable of organizing this fight. Otherwise, I anticipate obstacles.”
Usyk, aged 38, defeated Dubois, 27, in the ninth round of their 2023 bout, which was marked by controversy due to a disputed low blow in the fifth round.
Subsequently, Usyk twice defeated Tyson Fury, 36, in 2024 but had to relinquish the IBF title to proceed with their rematch in December.
Dubois was then promoted from interim IBF champion to full titleholder and achieved a knockout victory over Anthony Joshua, 35, in September.
He was scheduled to defend his title against Joseph Parker, 33, in February but withdrew due to illness just days before the fight.
Parker instead defeated replacement fighter Martin Bakole, 31, and has since been mandated by the WBO to face Usyk.
Despite these developments, Usyk remains focused on facing Dubois to unify the heavyweight belts again.
This comes after Pereira, who recently lost his UFC light-heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev, challenged the boxing champion.
Usyk has indicated he is open to a crossover fight with Pereira, 37, potentially even in an MMA setting.
He commented, “Yes, I would be interested, but only after the fight with Daniel to unify our belts.”
“I have even considered fighting in a cage. It’s partly a joke, but there`s truth in every joke.”
Elton Marrow 
Gideon Holt