“Power transcends divisions,” Beneil Dariush surprisingly picks Alex Pereira to become next simultaneous double champ over Islam Makhachev and Sean O’Malley

Alex Pereira is currently leading the race to become the next double champion, according to Beneil Dariush. The new generation of fighters is always challenging themselves to hold two titles simultaneously. Currently, Sean O’Malley, Islam Makhachev, and Pereira are some of the big names trying to achieve that feat.

Beneil Dariush recently did an interview with Helen Yee, where he talked about his stance on the simultaneous double champ race. The lightweight mentioned that Alex Pereira was the main favorite to do so due to his overwhelming power. As such, Dariush snubbed the likes of Makhachev and O’Malley.

If he goes to heavyweight or even back down to 185. He's capable of winning in those two divisions. He has the ability to do that, become double champ because, depending who he fights, the power that he carries, it seems to transcends divisions. It's crazy, the man has so much power.

Beneil Dariush via Helen Yee YouTube

Both Islam Makhachev and Sean O’Malley have already called out the respective champions of the division above them. However, they have faced criticism for not defending belts in their own weight classes. It’s clear that they are more excited to get that champ-champ status than ever.

However, Pereira has already shown his capabilities after swiftly moving from middleweight to light heavyweight and becoming the champion. The fighter recently showed his interest to move even further and challenge for the heavyweight title.

Alex Pereira speaks on his potential heavyweight move

After his impeccable win against Jamahal Hill at UFC 300, Alex Pereira made it clear that he wants to move up the division. However, the fighter was not so naive about the move and remained serious about the disadvantages that come with making such a decision.

While discussing his heavyweight jump, ‘Poatan’ revealed that he always listened to his body. Pereira believed he had the size of a heavyweight but wanted to work well before moving to the heavyweight division.

Well, I fought at middleweight and then I had to listen to my body to go up and fight at light heavyweight. I’ma fighter bro, willing to fight. I’ll fight anybody, anywhere. But, this kind of thing I have the height and am basically the size of a heavyweight, but this is the kind of thing that has to be programmed, put some work in, it’s not something to just jump in on an adventure like that.

Alex Pereira via The Mac Life

Pereira had already gone viral on the internet for being around 230 lbs ahead of UFC 300. Given his size, it won’t be difficult for the fighter to make the weight. However, UFC CEO Dana White isn’t a fan of such a move. It is intriguing to see what the UFC decides if the Brazilian finally makes the heavyweight move.

In case you missed it!

• “Hook, Cross..Uppercut,” Dustin Poirier responds to champion Islam Makhachev’s criticism of his fighting style
• “Took one point on the first accidental eye poke!” UFC middleweight Paulo Costa criticizes Jason Herzog as the WORST MMA referee

Stay Updated!

Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.

Subscribe NOW