“Knows how to deliver” – Star boxer Ryan Garcia praises new middleweight champion Alex Pereira’s precise hook and impeccable power

“Knows how to deliver” – Star boxer Ryan Garcia praises new middleweight champion Alex Pereira’s precise hook and impeccable power

Ryan Garcia (L); Alex Pereira (R) throws a hook at Israel Adesanya (L) in the fight ending sequence

Alex Pereira is one of the heaviest hitters in the UFC, and that was exemplified by his win over Israel Adesanya at UFC 281, at Madison Square Garden.

Going into the fight at UFC 281, many predicted that if Pereira were to find a way into Israel Adesanya’s game, and defeat him, it had to be via knockout. And, that is exactly what the Brazilian did, finding the opening in the very last round, severely hurting the Nigerian-Kiwi before referee Marc Goddard had no choice but to call the fight.

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Now, a fighter who would know a thing or two delivering fight-ending hooks has given judgement on Alex Pereira’s technique and power. Boxing star Ryan Garcia tweeted, “One of the few people I’ve seen that knows how to deliver the left hook.”

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Alex Pereira has been given the seal of approval by Ryan Garcia, which is very well deserved. One look through Pereira’s career will reveal the devastation that the hook caused, flattening out his opponents left right and centre. Pereira used the very same weapon to lethally flatline Sean Strickland, in only his third fight in the promotion.

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Alex Pereira’s mega power could ensure he has a successful stint at light heavyweight as well, if chooses to move up

Alex Pereira, with the middleweight belt at UFC 281
Alex Pereira, with the middleweight belt at UFC 281

Israel Adesanya had been a long time champion in the UFC, when he was dethroned by Alex Pereira, last weekend. Of the top six (apart from Pereira), Adesanya had been able to defeat everyone in the division, having also gotten the better of Robert Whittaker and Marvin Vettori twice.

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Hence, it feels like Pereira’s mammoth power is the great equalizer when it comes to the division – he might have inferior grappling in comparison to most of the top six, but his power justifies bookmakers’ odds of him securing a knockout at any point in the fight. Hence, as for now, apart from an immediate title rematch with Israel Adesanya, there doesn’t seem to be any other clear-cut match-up for the Brazilian.

Given that he cuts in excess of 40 pounds to fight at middleweight, it could make sense for Alex Pereira to fight at light heavyweight in the future. And, without having to cut weight, we can only imagine how much power the middleweight champion will be able to generate. If he does intend to move up, then, light heavyweights beware, a new and terrifying challenger might just be in the mix.

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