Oleksandr Usyk has hinted at a possible move to MMA, following a challenge from UFC champion Alex Pereira.
However, Usyk’s immediate priority is a rematch with Daniel Dubois for the undisputed heavyweight boxing championship.
Speaking to Al Arabiya News, Usyk stated, “We want to fight Dubois. My team is ready.”
“Much depends on God’s will and Turki Alalshikh, who is capable of organizing this fight. Otherwise, I anticipate difficulties.”
Usyk, 38, defeated Dubois, 27, in the ninth round of their 2023 bout. The fight was marked by controversy due to a disputed low blow in the fifth round.
The Ukrainian boxer previously defeated Tyson Fury twice in 2024 but had to relinquish his IBF title to proceed with the rematch in December.
Dubois was promoted from interim IBF champion to full titleholder and achieved a knockout victory over Anthony Joshua, 35, in September.
Dubois was scheduled to defend his title against Joseph Parker, 33, in February, but withdrew due to illness shortly before the fight.
Parker then defeated Martin Bakole, 31, as a replacement, and has since been mandated by the WBO to face Usyk.
Despite these developments, Usyk remains focused on fighting Dubois to unify the heavyweight titles once again.
This comes after Alex Pereira, who recently lost his UFC light-heavyweight title to Magomed Ankalaev, challenged the boxing legend to a fight.
Usyk has indicated his openness to a crossover fight with Pereira, 37, potentially even in an MMA cage.
He commented, “Yes, I would be interested, but only after the fight with Daniel to unify our belts.”
“I’ve even considered fighting in a cage. It’s partly a joke, but jokes often contain some truth.”
