UFC two-division champion Alex Pereira isn't just focused on his own legendary career—he's also backing his coach for a major return to combat sports. Last month, Pereira told Ariel Helwani that he wants his longtime coach and close friend, Plinio Cruz, to step back into competition, even suggesting a potential move to boxing with himself in Cruz's corner.

That vision is now gaining serious traction. The spark came when Cruz directly called out current Misfits Boxing heavyweight champion Chase DeMoor on social media, challenging him to a scrap in the influencer boxing promotion. Pereira wasted no time publicly endorsing the idea, commenting, "I’d like to see this fight."

This call-out is the latest in a growing feud. Weeks earlier, DeMoor reacted to Pereira's interview by boldly claiming he would beat Cruz and then "his fighter next," setting the stage for a high-stakes crossover clash. With Pereira's star power behind it, this potential bout is capturing the attention of both MMA and boxing fans.

If made official, Cruz would face a formidable challenge. DeMoor is not only the reigning Misfits champion with a 5-1 record in the promotion but also a decade younger. He notably boosted his profile by defeating former kickboxing world champion Andrew Tate in a close majority decision last December. While Cruz brings his own seasoned fighting experience, the physical advantages and current form of DeMoor would make this a compelling and tough matchup for Pereira's coach.