After just 12 skilled MMA fights, experts are genuinely considering Alex Pereira as a possible candidate for the game’s ‘GOAT’ discussion.
Pereira won middleweight gold in only his eighth fight, and inside three more had taken the light-heavyweight belt. Despite many feeling that he’s overly reliant on a powerful striking arsenal from his kickboxing days, there are also those that reckon he might be an all-time great.
The Brazilian won the middleweight world title from Israel Adesanya, who can also be considered the most effective of his era. Since then, he has moved up in weight but is believed to more naturally fit the mould of an heavyweight given his intensive cuts to make 185lb and 205lb.
Daniel Cormier believes Alex Pereira could enter UFC ‘GOAT’ discussion with another win
Legendary two-weight world champion Daniel Cormier has argued that Pereira might be as much as only one win away from being considered amongst the game’s best ever. The Brazilian is eyeing up a move to heavyweight, where Jon Jones currently reigns as champion.
Jones has been entertaining a possible bout with Pereira, who can be following in his footsteps by moving up as light-heavyweight champion. And Cormier reckons that facing Jones in an unprecedented fight for a 3rd belt could land him within the GOAT discussion.
“If Alex could be a guy that wins a 3rd belt, that dude higher be within the conversation as best of all time,” Cormier told MMAJunkie this week. “And hell, he’s only done it, he’s only got like 11 fights in his entire profession [he has 12].”
Jon Jones calls for Alex Pereira heavyweight showdown
While Jones is ready to face Stipe Miocic within the latter a part of the yr, there may be an interim heavyweight champion in place in Tom Aspinall. However the Brit appears to be completely out of contention for a shot on the undisputed, along with his American rival preferring a possible Pereira bout.
Aspinall even attempted to force a face-off with Jones while the pair attended a recent event, but was turned down by the legendary two-weight champion.
And in recent tweets he had his possibilities completely rubbished, with Jones asking fans: “If Alex Pereira became champion of the heavyweight division, would you guys consider him the GOAT?”
“Being back within the gym has got me considering otherwise,” he continued. “That fight after Stipe possibly the following biggest move I could possibly make.
“This killer has already defeated so many champions, and is already considered a legend to hundreds of thousands all over the world. Essentially the most massive fight the UFC could make. Give Alex a probability to avenge all those great Brazilian champions I’ve defeated.
“It might be absolutely massive. A man with a probability to be three division champion and a goat versus the actual goat. Same age, different strengths.
“Nobody can argue that that will be the most important fight in MMA history. There’s absolutely no fight that generates a payday like that. Marketing can be insane.”
UFC President Dana White shuts down Alex Pereira heavyweight title shot
Unfortunately for Pereira, nonetheless, he isn’t going to be getting a shot at heavyweight any time soon. Promotional boss White has confirmed that Jones can be facing Miocic next, and has plans for the Brazilian along with his light-heavyweight belt.
Pereira made his first defence at UFC 300 against former champion Jamahal Hill. The bout was something of a unification after the American never lost his title, just forfeited as a result of injury.
But speaking last night after UFC St Louis, White said: “Yeah, it’s Stipe next. I believe Jon’s just asking, ‘Who do you want? What do you’re thinking that?’ Type of just feeling it out, seeing what people think. But he knows he’s fighting Stipe.”
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