Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya significantly influenced the UFC’s middleweight division. UFC veteran Stephen Thompson acknowledged this as he talked about their impact, especially in the evolution of strikers in the promotion. Here is what happened:
Stephen Thompson recently sat down for a conversation with Michael Bisping on Bisping’s YouTube channel. During the discussion, Thompson talked about the full circle moment in the UFC where striking regained its importance again. He pointed out Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya as the leaders in this field.
It’s good to see kind of make that full circle again when you are seeing the Izzys and the Alex Pereiras and guys who come from the kickboxing background and doing well in the MMA arts.
Stephen Thompson on Michael Bisping’s YouTube channel
Thompson emphasized that it was cool to see strikers who are also able to defend takedowns to the point where others fear going in to wrestle them to avoid getting clocked in the face. He also expressed his appreciation for Alex Pereira. Poatan is headlining the main event at UFC 307 this October and Thompson will fight in the undercard facing Joaquin Buckley. Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya are both highly accomplished kickboxers who transitioned successfully to mixed martial arts.
Pereira is a former Glory Kickboxing middleweight and light heavyweight champion. Meanwhile, Adesanya fought in various kickboxing organizations, amassing a professional kickboxing record of 75 wins and 5 losses. In the UFC, Adesanya became a dominant UFC middleweight champion while Pereira conquered both the middleweight and light heavyweight division where he is now the reigning champion.
Stephen Thompson’s prediction for Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. at UFC 307
Stephen Thompson has predicted that the upcoming fight between Alex Pereira and Khalil Rountree could turn into a five-round war. Rountree had previously stated that he plans to keep the fight on his feet. The UFC veteran has no intention of attempting takedowns which does align with his usual fighting style. On the other hand, reigning light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira has not shown a strong preference for grappling as of yet.
Stephen Thompson on Alex Pereira vs. Khalil Rountree Jr. (Via IMAGO)This makes the upcoming showdown a potentially exciting stand-up battle. Thompson is known for his striking expertise in the UFC. In a recent conversation with talkSPORT, Thompson revealed that he expects a high-intensity matchup given that both Pereira and Rountree have secured their last couple of victories by knockdowns.
I’m excited for this one to be honest with you. Anything can happen when it comes to these guys. But I think this is going to be, one – an easy knockout. Or two – it’s gonna go all five rounds, just a striking war.
Stephen Thomson on talkSPORT
The fight is scheduled for this October at UFC 307. They will fight at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. Pereira is currently a significant favorite over Rountree according to the betting odds. This is likely due to his knockout power and recent performances in the division.
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