Alex Pereira has recently commanded quite the aura as the ultimate fighter. The UFC & GLORY champ is the ninth fighter to hold a title in two divisions. Moreover, he did it faster than anyone. With him overcoming multiple former titleholders, people often go overboard, matchmaking him with even literal heavyweights in the roster. As a veteran analyst and commentator, Daniel Cormier refrains from that, but no more.
Alex Pereira ran through prodigal former champ Jamahal Hill in his maiden defense. Daniel Cormier was in awe of his first-round knockout of Hill. Moreover, he marveled at the heights Pereira had reached without solidified grappling. The likes of divisional rival Anthony Smith often bank upon this hole in his game. ‘DC’ knows it to be true; he knows Pereira would face difficulties if he also rose to heavyweight. However, he wouldn’t rule out his success.
He can be successful at heavyweight, I think he can do whatever he wants. I’m past betting against Alex Pereira. I’m past saying that he can’t do something. I think time and time again, Alex Pereira has proven he can do whatever he wants. Every challenge has challenges, and every great thing will be hard…
Daniel Cormier via MMA Junkie Radio with “Gorgeous” George and “Goze”
After he knocked out Hill in Round 1 of the UFC 300 headliner, Pereira teased a move to 265-pound in his octagon interview. He has had a sort of passive dialogue going on with heavyweight divisional G.O.A.T Jon Jones. During this week’s “Good Guy/ Bad Guy Podcast” (ESPN2/ESPNPodcenter), Cormier noted it was smart of Jones to opt for less risky Pereira than bigger, heftier standouts.
In no way does that diminish Pereira’s standing. Even Michael Bisping deliberated on a similar track, only to commend Pereira’s strength later. The heavyweight division could challenge a natural 205-pounder like Pereira. However, ‘Poatan’ holds a brutal weapon in his left hand that can knock anyone out unconscious.
Daniel Cormier will not count out Alex Pereira against Tom Aspinall or Curtis Blaydes
Olympic wrestler Daniel Cormier was the first fighter to successfully defend titles as a UFC dual champion. Hence, he recognizes the legacy it puts forth; Alex Pereira is part of this legacy now. Moreover, he has long been in the conversation about being a suitable applicant for triple-division fame – a feat never done before in the UFC.
Daniel Cormier weighs in on challenges for Alex Pereira (Source: IMAGO/UFC.go.com)Cormier is all up for it. The 265-pound roster entails knockout artists and profound heavy hitters. Jones might be in absentia; Tom Aspinall and Curtis Blaydes remain such forerunners.
Him at heavyweight, there would be some issues. But there are still issues at 205… When you get to heavyweight, especially for him, he will have guys like Tom Aspinall or Curtis Blaydes – guys who truly can cause him some problems with their size and their wrestling ability…But it’s not impossible. To think that Alex would not find success would be a massive mistake…
Daniel Cormier via MMA Junkie Radio with “Gorgeous” George and “Goze”
British interim titleholder Aspinall won his belt with a 69-second knockout on the same card Pereira won the light heavyweight belt. Before this year’s enormous trifecta event, the duo had flirted about facing each other on the card. On the other hand, Blaydes is an elite wrestler who has a stylistic advantage against Pereira. However, Cormier thinks ‘Poatan’ can find success without a wrestling game, just like he did in the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions.
