Video: Hair-cutting Alex Pereira spars with UFC heavyweight Tai Tuivasa, turns down infamous ‘Shoey’

Alex Pereira’s hopes of fighting at heavyweight were further cemented earlier this week after the UFC light heavyweight champion had a successful sparring session with UFC heavyweight Tai Tuivasa.

Pereira, who has captured UFC titles at both 185 and 205 pounds, has quickly become one of the most popular fighters on the UFC roster. His stoic demeanor for press conferences, weigh ins, walkouts, and his fights inside of the Octagon, is second to none. Not to mention he just headlined the historic UFC 300 card this past April with a devastating knockout finish over Jamahal Hill.

As his notoriety and title defenses begin to rack up, Pereira’s aspirations will grow as well. That’s why he has already teased a potential move up to heavyweight to try to become the first three-division titleholder in UFC history. A potential superfight with UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones was even mentioned last month, but fight fans will have to wait and see how this all plays out for Pereira.

Earlier this week, “Poatan” tested his striking skills against UFC heavyweight contender, Tai Tuivasa, during a visit to Sydney, Australia. While Tuivasa has struggled in recent fights he remains one of the hardest-hitting fighters on the UFC roster day. Even someone that could almost match the heralded punching-power of Pereira. Needless to say, Pereira looked good against Tuivasa, which only aids his plans to one day compete at heavyweight.

Check out the short sparring footage below:

In addition to their light sparring session, Pereira helped “Bam Bam” with a new haircut. Things started off as a prank, but Pereira ended up cutting some of Tuivasa’s hair. Check it out below:

Lastly, a visit to train alongside Tuivasa would not be complete without doing an infamous “Shoey.” Unfortunately, Pereira wanted no part of that so he let his coach, Plinio Cruz, take the reins. See below: