Alex Pereira might put age-old ‘GOAT’ debate to bed with three-division title

Alex Pereira is the current light heavyweight champion of the UFC.

Alex Pereira might put age-old ‘GOAT’ debate to bed with three-division title

Alex Pereira could become the GOAT (via Imago)

Alex Pereira has been on a rampage since stepping into the UFC octagon. Recently, the light heavyweight champion defended his title for the first time at the historic UFC 300. After dispatching Jamahal Hill in the first round, Poatan expressed desire to do the impossible in the UFC.

Pereira, a two-division champion in the UFC contemplated moving up a weight class yet again. This time, he wants to test his mettle in the dangerous heavyweight division. If not for injuries picked up before and during UFC 300, Poatan most likely would have headlined UFC 301.

The card holds a special place in his heart because it is to take place in his home country of Brazil. His opponent for the fight might have been heavyweight title aspirant, Tom Aspinall. Unfortunately, it was not to be. However, Pereira isn’t ruling out a potential move to heavyweight.

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Alex Pereira: The undisputable GOAT?

If Alex Pereira were to go up to heavyweight and win the coveted gold, there would be little doubt of his status as the UFC GOAT. Currently, 4 of his 8 fights in the UFC have been title fights. Moreover, he became the middleweight champion in just his 4th fight in the UFC.

Alex Pereira GOAT
Alex Pereira GOAT (Via UFC)

3 fights later he was the light heavyweight champion. Additionally, he was signed to the UFC with just 2 professional MMA fights to his name. To accomplish so much in such a small span is unheard of. Therefore, adding the heavyweight gold would undoubtedly cement his place in the history books.

Alex Pereira on a path to avenge all of Glover Teixeira’s losses

Currently, Pereira has avenged all but one of Glover Teixeira‘s big losses in the UFC. The Brazilian legend is not just a mentor and coach to Poatan, but also a dear friend. The two are often seen pranking each other on social media. The camaraderie and friendship between the two can also be attributed to Poatan’s success in the octagon.

Alex Pereira and Glover Teixeira
Alex Pereira and Glover Teixeira (Via UFC)

As such, Pereira has avenged Teixeira’s losses to Jiri Prochazka, Jamahal Hill, and Jan Blachowich. The only one to have a safe harbor so far has been arguably the greatest fighter to walk the face of the earth, Jon “Bones” Jones. Therefore, going up against him would be like killing 2 birds with one stone.

Glory at GLORY Kickboxing

Alex Pereira is the only person in GLORY kickboxing to simultaneously hold 2 belts. He was the GLORY middleweight and light heavyweight champion. As such, he was also inducted into the Glory Hall of Fame in 2023. His kickboxing record stands at 33 wins and 7 losses.

Alex Pereira
Alex Pereira (Via GLORY)

Additionally, 21 of his victories came by way of Knockout. The famed rivalry with Israel Adesanya also began during his kickboxing days, with Pereira even knocking Adesanya out cold on one occasion. Therefore, the above-mentioned feats plus the heavyweight gold around his waist will undoubtedly make him the GOAT.

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