“Worst middleweight champion in UFC history” – Alex Pereira lambasted by fans after UFC 281 win

“Worst middleweight champion in UFC history” – Alex Pereira lambasted by fans after UFC 281 win

Alex Pereira

Alex Pereira beat Israel Adesanya in the main event of UFC 281 to win the middleweight championship. He had beaten Adesanya twice in kickboxing before this. However, leading upto their first meeting in the cage, Alex held a 7-1 record in MMA. He had also been in the UFC for just over a year by then.

His win made him the 2nd fastest man in history to win a UFC championship after joining the promotion, only behind Brock Lesnar. “Poatan” had only fought 3 times in the UFC before his title victory. And in those three fights, only one of his opponents was in the top 5. Even Adesanya acknowledged how Alex had been fast tracked to a title shot because of their history.

Despite all of this, Poatan proved his mettle as he beat one of the greatest middleweights to ever fight in the UFC. He finished nearly all of his UFC opponents in brutal fashion, including the man he beat for the belt. However, ex-fighter and MMA analyst RJ Clifford still casts his doubts over Pereira’s value as a champion. “Alex Pereira earned that win over a top three pound-for-pound Israel Adesanya. Fight was awesome. But make no mistake, Alex Pereira is the worst middleweight champion in UFC history.“, said Clifford on his Twitter.

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A statement like this is odd considering Alex only won the title a few days ago. He has not made any title defenses. However. it seems a section of fans are in agreement with RJ’s sentiment. They too feel that Pereira was undeserving of a title shot and hence, is one of the worst champions in the UFC.

Related: “Will come to your favela”- Israel Adesanya won’t stop fighting arch-nemesis Alex Pereira until he finally gets a win

Fans hate on Alex Pereira and his allegedly unfair title shot and victory against Israel Adesanya as they react to Clifford’s tweet

Alex Pereira (L) lands a flurry of punches, which subsequently ended the fight in the fifth round against Israel Adesanya (R) at UFC 281
Alex Pereira (L) lands a flurry of punches, which subsequently ended the fight in the fifth round against Israel Adesanya (R) at UFC 281

The replies under RJ Clifford’s tweet seem to indicate that fans are not happy about Alex receiving a title shot. Here are some of the most noteworthy reactions:

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However, there were also some that came to the defense of the UFC middleweight champion.

Given that it has only been a few days since Pereira won the title, it is too early to say if he really is the worst UFC middleweight champion ever. Given how his reign started, the future does seem promising for Poatan.

Also Read: BREAKING! Israel Adesanya arrested at JFK Airport in New York City