Exclusive: Oleksandr Usyk open to 'show fight' with UFC star Alex Pereira, doubts Tyson Fury retirement

In an exclusive interview with TNT Sports, Oleksandr Usyk teased a possible fight with UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. Usyk suggested that he has only two bouts left in his career and is tempted by a "show fight" with the mixed martial arts star, who has already called out the Ukrainian. Usyk also said that he expects Tyson Fury to come out of retirement and return to the ring.

Oleksandr Usyk talked up a potential showdown with UFC superstar Alex Pereira as he revealed he likely has just two fights left.

The undefeated Ukrainian said he would face the winner of the February 22 Riyadh Season bout between Daniel Dubois and Joseph Parker before hinting at a "show fight" with Pereira in an exclusive interview with TNT Sports on the London Eye.

Pereira, like Usyk, is a two-division champion and recently said taking on the 38-year-old in the ring was "something I would like to do".

Commonwealth Games Boxing

Time for AI in boxing? Fury as 'total robbery' costs England in 'shocking' controversy

02/08/2026 at 09:13

Usyk said the fight was a possibility as he mused about his upcoming last two dances in the ring.

"First, is who wins the next fight [Dubois or Parker] on February 22," said Usyk, who has been undisputed at cruiserweight and heavyweight.

"Next? Maybe a show fight with Alex Pereira. Why not?"

It wouldn't be the first time an MMA star has swapped the Octagon for the ring, with crossover fights becoming increasingly popular.

Highlights: Fury escapes Ngannou scare with split-decision win

Video credit: TNT Sports

In 2017, Conor McGregor fought Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas, losing via technical knockout in the 10th round, while Tyson Fury was sent to the canvas by Francis Ngannou in 2023 before recovering to swerve a monumental upset on a split decision.

Meanwhile, a reunion with Dubois has long been mooted for Usyk after their controversial first meeting in Poland in 2023.

Usyk knocked out Dubois in the ninth round, although only after 'Dynamite' was penalised for a low blow some in the boxing world thought was a legal shot.

Dubois has since gone on a terrific run, most recently destroying Anthony Joshua in an all-British showdown at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and stepped into the ring after Usyk's win over Fury in December to demand a rematch.

Dubois gatecrashes Usyk winning interview to declare ‘I want my revenge’

Video credit: TNT Sports

However, Usyk fired a warning to Dubois, saying he should be focused on his upcoming IBF title defence with Parker on the Beterbiev v Bivol 2 card - live on TNT Sports Box Office - rather than dreaming of a potential undisputed heavyweight clash with himself.

"I think it’s a bad idea [calling me out] because Daniel has a future fight," said Usyk.

"He says 'hey listen, I want a rematch'. Please, do the work on February 22. If you win, welcome."

'I think no' - Usyk thinks Fury will return to ring

Usyk stretched his record to 23-0 with a unanimous points win over Fury in December, prompting the 'Gypsy King' to retire from the sport for a second time.

However, when asked if he thought Fury was retired for good, Usyk replied: "I think no.

"Tyson is a great man, showman… I think a little bit of rest, time with family, drink beer and then back."

Fury's only two defeats came at the gloves of the Ukrainian, who won their first fight in Riyadh via split decision.

Highlights: Usyk beats Fury by unanimous decision to retain titles after engrossing fight

Video credit: TNT Sports

Fury reversed his fight retirement after just 70 days in 2023, with British fans still retaining hope of a Battle of a Britain showdown with Anthony Joshua.

A tear-up between the two former heavyweight champions has been talked about for years, only for negotiations to repeatedly collapse.

As to his own legacy, Usyk would not be drawn on where he ranked amongst boxing's greatest figures of past and present.

"I haven't had my best fight. I talk to you after I say 'hey listen, I finish'," he said.

"I had two fights with Joshua, great time. I had two fights with Tyson Fury, wow. Daniel Dubois, Murat Gassiev, a lot of great fights. But now? I don't know."

How to watch Beterbiev v Bivol 2

Beterbiev v Bivol 2 is on TNT Sports Box Office costs £19.99 in the UK and can be watched on discovery+, EE TV, Prime Video and Virgin Media TV. You do not need to be a TNT Sports subscriber to buy this event.

The epic card will also feature IBF heavyweight champion Daniel Dubois taking on Joseph Parker in the Brit’s first title defence since his devastating knockout of Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium in September.

discovery+ - TNT Sports Box Office events are available to purchase and watch in the discovery+ app – on smart TVs, computer or mobile device, viewers wanting to watch the fight should visit this page and follow instructions to subscribe and then purchase the event.

EE TV - Customers can purchase the event via their STB on channel 494.

Prime Video - Customers do not need to have a Prime or discovery+ subscription to access this event. You can find live and upcoming PPV events in the "Live and upcoming events" row on the Prime Video homepage and sports page, or by searching for a specific event title.

Virgin Media TV - Customers with a TiVo and/or V6 set-top-box should visit the On-Demand section and choose Live Events; customers with a Virgin TV 360 and/or Stream set-top-box should go to the Pay Per View events rail.

Commonwealth Games Boxing

'Hard work pays off' - Hickey, Mughalzai and Okoh claim boxing golds for Team England

01/08/2026 at 16:05

Commonwealth Games Boxing

How boxer won Tuvalu's first-ever medal despite not winning a fight - 'Means everything'

01/08/2026 at 10:14