Anthony Smith’s latest take on Alex Pereira’s skills hasn’t resonated with the fans. Smith, currently ranked no. 10 in the UFC’s light-heavyweight division has a history with Pereira that has seen the two men go back and forth in various interviews and statements online. ‘Lionheart’ is currently scheduled to face rising light-heavyweight contender, Vitor Petrino at UFC 301 on May 4 and will be looking to bounce back from his December 2023 loss against Khalil Rountree.

In September 2023, in an appearance on The MMA Hour, Pereira revealed, “It’s always something going on that Anthony doesn’t give me the proper credit that I deserve. He kind of hates on me a little bit, instead of going, ‘OK, in the beginning, I was wrong. I thought the guy would not get that fight. I was wrong.’” And with ‘Poatan’s recent successful title defense at UFC 300 against Jamahal Hill, Smith has once again provided an ‘analysis’ of Pereira’s skills, that has caused backlash against ‘Lionheart’ online.

In an interview with MMA Fighting, Smith stated, “He has a very limited skill set. He is very very dangerous at one thing. And mediocre at the rest. Instead of making it seem like I am talking sh*t about him, I’m building him up. That’s amazing that he is able to do what he’s been able to do at this level for this amount of time.”

But despite Smith’s stated intention to uplift Alex Pereira with his analysis, fans have disagreed with his assessment. Here’s a look at what the netizens had to say!

Fans rally behind Alex Pereira as Anthony Smith gets slammed for his “nonsense” analysis

The comments section buzzed with dissenting opinions, indicating a disconnect between Smith’s analysis and fan perception.  Fans pointed out that Smith’s analysis is more akin to a thinly veiled insult towards Alex Pereira

“Ah yes, Anthony Back Handed Compliment Smith”

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Others highlighted the fact that despite Smith’s assertions, he has previously lost via TKO to ‘Poatan’s mentor and friend, Glover Teixeira and according to fans, this invalidates whatever criticisms he makes towards Pereira

“Boy sit down, his coach literally knocked your teeth out”

Some also pointed out that Pereira’s striking is leagues beyond anyone else in the UFC and despite not coming from a grappling background, the Brazilian has never been compromised on the ground in his incredible 2-division run

“Kind of bold words about arguably the best striker in the UFC. He can’t be that useless on the ground defensively or someone would’ve submitted him by now.”

Fans were also blunt about their opinion of Smith’s analysis as they claimed he makes controversial statements to “stay relevant”

“Will this dude ever go away? We don’t want to see him fight. His opinion and analysis are dreadful. Dude talks nonsense to stay relevant”

Alex Pereira’s incredible talent was also self-evident for many fans as they pointed out that all his opponents say the same thing as Smith about his skills until they face ‘Poatan’ inside the Octagon

“They all say the same thing till they get in the ring”

Fans also pointed out that other UFC fighters with wrestling backgrounds also use their skillset to dictate where the fight takes place. Using the example of Chuck Liddell and Justin Gaethje, who despite being from wrestling backgrounds, relied more on their power and striking abilities in their career. They highlighted the fact that Pereira’s striking prowess guarantees that his opponent has to wade through the dangerous ‘void’ between them to initiate grappling exchanges. And as Jamhal Hill found out at UFC 300, getting close to ‘Poatan’ is a one-way ticket to the shadow realm.

“He has been taken down and got back up, granted it was by a non wrestler. But Iceman, Justin, and even Hendo at the end of his career, all wrestlers, didn’t use their wrestling offensively. They knew they could stand and bang and they dared anyone to get close. It only took one. AP is a world champion kickboxer with one shot stopping power. He dares you to get close enough to take him down. It’s that good.”

In conclusion, the fan reactions indicate that Anthony Smith’s analysis hasn’t exactly landed as he would have liked with the MMA community. Pereira’s remarkable abilities and track record speak for themselves, leaving little room for doubt regarding his status as one of the UFC’s most formidable competitors for the fandom.

What are your thoughts on Anthony Smith’s recent take on Alex Pereira? Share it with us in the comments below!