It seems like Pereira has faced opponents with a solid ground game, such as Strickland and Blachowicz, but they couldn't fully capitalize on their advantage. The question of whether Pereira has been truly tested arises, especially considering the absence of wrestlers of Khabib's caliber in the light heavyweight division. While Ankalaev is a wrestler, the opinion is that he's not at Khabib's level but still capable enough to take Pereira down and control the fight on the ground. There's speculation that the UFC might consider moving Pereira to the middleweight division instead of having him face Ankalaev in light heavyweight,
But for sure the height of Alex Pereira fits the bill in that Division so I think it is still OK for me, but truly his ground game isn't really been tested since he entered the UFC.
But for sure the height of Alex Pereira fits the bill in that Division so I think it is still OK for me, but truly his ground game isn't really been tested since he entered the UFC.
Or we could speculate for Pereira to move to heavyweight division
Like Bones did. I am sure that Pereira is able to get some extra weight without having harm to speed. Here are some points why it could work well. 1 - Pereira is already aged. Pereira gonna turn 37 in half a year. And 40yo Blachowicz is considered old for division already. Look at guys who are close to him in ranking. Jiri is 31, Ankalaev 31, Krylov 31, Rakic - 31, Walker - 31, Hill - 32. One, maximum two years and Pereira would turn into old for division.
2 - heavyweights are mostly aged guys. Last heavyweight champs were 35+. Many examples when fighters 40+ became champs.
3 - among heavyweights, there are lots of striker. Fighters that rely much on one punch/kick knockout. Pereira and his stone left hand will perfectly fit.
4 - he has a huuuuuge motivation to win heavyweight title and become first fighter who got 3 UFC belts.
Will he be able to gain weight and ready for transformation? Of course. UFC history have unique fighters who were competing in 3 or 4 divisions. Like Anthony Johnson, who was welterweight, middleweight, light heavy and heavy