Alex Pereira, widely recognized as one of the most formidable strikers in UFC history, possesses a significant vulnerability in his fighting style that, according to some, has not yet been fully exposed by opponents.
Pereira is set to face Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 320 this Saturday, where he will seek immediate redemption and the light heavyweight title.
Their previous encounter at UFC 313 earlier this year saw Ankalaev deliver a major upset, dominating `Poatan` in striking exchanges for all five rounds.
Prior to that bout, Ankalaev surprised many by declaring his intention to stand and strike with Pereira, rather than relying on his grappling skills.
Robert Whittaker Discusses Which Light Heavyweight Legend Posed a Threat to Pereira
Since his UFC debut in 2022, the Brazilian kickboxer has consistently demonstrated his elite striking prowess, earning a reputation as one of the sport`s finest strikers.
However, despite his exceptional striking accuracy and power, Pereira`s wrestling and grappling defense have been identified as areas of concern.
Until recently, few opponents have actively sought to exploit this perceived weakness, with Jan Blachowicz being a notable exception who prominently incorporated wrestling into his strategy against Pereira.
In this context, former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker offered his perspective on which legendary UFC light heavyweight would have presented a significant challenge to Pereira.
“If you examine Pereira`s past opponents, while he`s undeniably dominated them, I don`t believe those individuals were equipped to defeat him,” Whittaker stated on the MMArcade Podcast.
He continued, noting the current lack of strong wrestling-grappling specialists in the division. Whittaker then mused, “You know who would have really given Alex a tough time? Daniel Cormier. I believe prime light heavyweight DC would have overwhelmed him.”
Despite his intense rivalry with Jon Jones sometimes overshadowing his individual accomplishments, Daniel Cormier`s exceptional skillset and extensive accolades firmly establish him as one of the greatest 205-pound fighters in history.
A UFC 320 Victory Could See Pereira Surpass Cormier`s Title Defense Record
Fortuitously for `Poatan`, his UFC tenure began after Cormier`s light heavyweight prime, meaning their paths never converged inside the Octagon.
Remarkably, despite Cormier`s formidable legacy in the division, a victory against Ankalaev this Saturday could potentially allow Pereira to surpass `DC` in the number of light heavyweight title defenses, though Jon Jones would still hold the overall record.
Neville Whittle