“Clear leader right now is…” UFC legend ready to snub Islam Makhachev for awarding Alex Pereira the fighter of year over THIS reason

Chael Sonnen brought interesting discussion to the Fighter of the Year conversation. His choice and arguments might seem interesting for the fanbase.

“Clear leader right now is…” UFC legend ready to snub Islam Makhachev for awarding Alex Pereira the fighter of year over THIS reason

Chael Sonnen weighs in on Alex Pereira moving past Islam Makhachev (Source: IMAGO)

UFC 295 features Jiri Prochazka vs. Alex Pereira as the main event. Pereira defeated former champion Jan Blachowicz to become the title challenger. UFC legend Chael Sonnen spoke about the Fighter of the Year conversation on his YouTube channel. Islam Makhachev is one of the leading figures for the accolade. Makhachev defeated Alexander Volkanovski twice in 2023. First at UFC 284 and then at UFC 294.

Sonnen believed Makhachev was the Fighter of the Year in 2023. However, Sonnen revealed a dark horse in the Fighter of the Year competition. This is what Chael Sonnen said:

He (Makhachev) then took on Volkanovski who had had another title defense, and was the reigning sitting World champion;  and it didn't get out of the first three minutes. So the clear leader, right now, is Islam. However, if Alex Pereira wins and this was the answer that I gave...if Alex Pereira wins, he will within this calendar year, which is the specific dates of the question, have been the 185lb champion and the 205lb champion in the same calendar year. And therefore...makes him fighter of the year per my vote.
Chael Sonnen via YouTube.
YouTube video

Previously, Pereira had scored a split-decision win over Blachowicz at UFC 291. Pereira moved to the light heavyweight after a knockout loss to Israel Adesanya in April. He will face Prochazka for the vacant title at UFC 295. Pereira would become a double champion if he defeats Prochazka in the upcoming bout. In that case, Chael Sonnen believes Pereira might leapfrog Makhachev as the Fighter of the Year.

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Pereira currently stands at 8-2-0 in his career. If he becomes the light heavyweight champion at UFC 295, he will become the fastest fighter in the UFC to win two titles in fewer fights. Other double champions like Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Henry Cejudo, Amanda Nunes, and Randy Couture had multiple fights before becoming double champion.

Islam Makhachev and Alex Pereira garner fan favor with new achievements

While former UFC title contender Chael Sonnen calibrates Alex Pereira against Islam Makhachev (given he wins), other things are afoot. Former light heavyweight champion Jiri Prochazka and former middleweight champion Alex Pereira will square off for the vacant light heavyweight title. Both Makhachev and Pereira have achieved significant accolades this year.

Alex Pereira received Hall of Fame honor from Glory
Alex Pereira received the Hall of Fame honor from Glory (Source: X/Instagram)

Makhachev scored a first-round knockout over Alexander Volkanovski in a champion vs. champion rematch at UFC 294. Although with delayed progression, he has now moved up to pound-for-pound #1 ranking. Meanwhile, Pereira added another accolade to his ever-growing roster, becoming the third fighter inducted into the GLORY Kickboxing Hall of Fame. Both achievements have drawn positive sentiments from fans and peers.

Pereira must win the light heavyweight championship at UFC 295 to remain a contender in the Fighter of the Year conversations. If Pereira wins the title, he becomes the next fighter with the double champ status. This could play a part in determining the Fighter of the Year conversations.

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