Since Conor McGregor‘s injury forced him to pull out of the UFC 303 main event against Michael Chandler, the welterweight bout has been replaced by a lightweight heavyweight title rematch between current UFC champion Alex Pereira and former champion Jiri Prochazka. This has thrust Pereira into the spotlight yet again, with several MMA critics even labeling him the “new face of UFC.”

Nevertheless, UFC veteran fighter Chael Sonnen isn’t convinced. And without mincing words, the UFC insider recently shared on the Daniel Cormier ESPN podcast that he doesn’t believe Pereira has reached the level of the current UFC bantamweight champion.

Does Alex Pereira measure up to Sean O’Malley?

Alex Pereira’s journey to UFC champion wasn’t a typical path. Before entering the octagon in 2021, he carved a name for himself as a kickboxing standout in GLORY. waiting no time, Pereira made a powerful debut with a knockout victory in his first UFC fight. In this short but impressive run, he’s conquered two weight divisions- middleweight and light heavyweight. Meanwhile, Rumors swirl that heavyweight might be next for the fast-rising star.

On the recent episode of ‘Good Guy/Bad Guy,” Daniel Cormier showered praise on Alex Pereira, saying, ” But not only is he getting paid, Alex Pereira’s star continues to grow. Now, I get it. Chill. It’ll always be hard to top Conor McGregor, but still got Jon Jones. But when I think about the faces of the company, because of his durability, and his activity, it’s Alex Pereira now. The face of the UFC. He’s getting there.”

Top Stories

Ilia Topuria’s UFC Title at Risk After Personal Break Turns Worse With “Extortion” Claim

UFC Vegas 112 Fighter Carried Out of Octagon After KO Loss Leaves Her Unable to Walk

Daniel Cormier Takes Sly Dig at FOX While Reflecting on UFC’s ESPN Exit

Dana White Set to Lose Another Star to Boxing as UFC Champ Reveals Major Career Decision

Alistair Overeem Urges Rampage Jackson to Reconsider Major Career Move Amid Health Concerns

However, Chael Sonnen interjected with his own strong opinion.

“He hasn’t passed up Sean O’Malley yet, but he could do it. Damn, I can’t believe this guy. I truly can’t,” Sonnen said, seemingly skeptical of Pereira’s claim to the “face of the UFC” title. While Sonnen might not be convinced now, Pereira’s potential move to heavyweight, fueled by rumors and even welcomes from the division’s elite like Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall, could change his mind.

Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall open to fighting Alex Pereira

Alex Pereira has carved his path with absolute annihilation through the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, leaving only a trail of fallen opponents, with now his sight on heavyweight glory. Nevertheless, one major hurdle remains- Dana White is reportedly not sold on the idea. Despite this, Jon Jones has publicly welcomed Pereira’s potential move to heavyweight, even suggesting it would be a massive PPV draw.

Jon Jones took to Twitter, throwing MMA Twitter into a frenzy. In a surprising callout, Jones declared Alex Pereira as his next potential opponent after facing Stipe Miocic-” This killer has already so many champions and is already considered a legend by millions around the world. The most massive fight the UFC could make. Give Alex a chance to avenge all those great Brazilian champions I’ve defeated.”

Jon Jones vs. Alex Pereira would be a historic fight in UFC history. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments!