Georges St-Pierre is one of the most respected fighters in UFC history. He just gave his analysis on UFC light-heavyweight champion, Alex Pereira‘s potential move to the heavyweight division. Here is what GSP’s opinion is on Alex Pereira moving to the 265lbs weight class:
Georges St-Pierre recently sat down for a conversation on Covers. He shared his thoughts on ‘Poatan’s successful run in the UFC spanning both middleweight and light heavyweight divisions. GSP is a fan of Alex Pereira and his striking. However, the UFC veteran believes the Brazilian needs to prove himself against a high-level grappler before moving up a weight class.
I think Alex Pereira is the best striker the light heavyweight division has ever seen… But the question is how would he pair up against a guy who’s more of a wrestler? A guy who’s gonna try to bring the fight to the ground?…He needs to answer that before trying to go up.
Georges St-Pierre on Covers
That has been a constant criticism on ‘Poatan’s part. Not many have tried to take the two-division UFC champion to the ground. GSP pointed out that top heavyweights like Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall are very good wrestlers. The UFC Hall of Famer also explained how a wrestler could distract a high-level striker and open him up to get hit.
GSP’s advice was for Alex Pereira to try and beat a fighter who was trying to take him down. That would prepare ‘Poatan’ for what is to come in the heavyweight division. What GSP suggested is waiting for Pereira to accept his challenge in the light heavyweight division. Dagestani contender, Magomed Ankalaev has been pushing for a title shot against ‘Poatan’ for a while now.
Magomed Ankalaev says Alex Pereira would not be able to touch him
Russian light heavyweight Magomed Ankalaev ranks #2 in the UFC’s 205lbs division rankings. Having beaten Jiri Prochazka twice, the #2 ranked contender would be a good challenge for the aspiring three-division champion.
Magomed Ankalaev on fighting Alex Pereira (Image via Imago)Magomed Ankalaev has constantly criticized Alex Pereira. The Russian says ‘Poatan’ is avoiding a difficult matchup by refusing to fight him. He recently sat down for a conversation with Aslanbek Badaev, where the Dagestani said that Alex Pereira would not be able to touch him if they ever stepped into the octagon.
Many experts understand that I can easily beat Pereira. I think with his speed, he won’t touch me at all. The most he can do is hit me with a low kick. I want to beat him up. I just want to attack him, just show him that I’m better than him.
Magomed Ankalaev to Aslanbek Badaev
Magomed Ankalaev says Alex Pereira won’t be able to touch him in their fight 😳
“Many experts understand that I can easily beat Pereira… I think with his speed he won’t touch me at all. The most he can do is hit me with a low kick…
I want to beat him up. I just want to… pic.twitter.com/6uG2aim2zW
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 16, 2024
While many have already declared Pereira as the biggest star in the UFC, others still criticize him for not being an all-rounded fighter. ‘Poatan’ is still just nine fights into the promotion and he has already grabbed two division belts.
It will be interesting to see if Pereira now begins to incorporate wrestling and grappling in his training. This will prepare him for the coveted heavyweight division, where everybody is ready to take the former kickboxer to the ground.
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