“I Don’t Think He’s Any…”- Alex Pereira’s Lost Major Advantage at LHW Division Despite Win Against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 291 as Claimed by Legends

Published 08/02/2023, 11:34 AM EDT

The focus of the MMA world is on Alex Pereira after his split decision victory over Jan Blachowicz. Will he dominate the rest of the Light Heavyweight (LHW) division? After Pereira withstood this Polish challenge, fans are growing eager to see what the Brazilian has in store for the rest of his stint in the division. However, this conversation between two UFC Legends suggested that this discourse is not as black and white as it seems.

Following his division change, Alex Pereira’s potential to dominate the Light Heavyweight Division is the subject of the hour in the fighting world. While Pereira’s performance certainly earned him accolades, the veterans threw a curveball into the conversation. One of them suggested that Pereira might lack a particular edge that fans expect him to have in the LHW division.

Did Alex Pereira sacrifice his greatest weapon for 205 lbs move?

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Respected UFC legend, Anthony Smith, has brought some new perspective to the debate about Pereira’s dominance. Smith, while speaking to the former UFC Champion Michael Bisping, addressed some misconceptions regarding fighters moving up and down weight classes.

On their Podcast “Believe You Me”, when asked about his opinion by Bisping, Smith says “I didn’t expect Alex to fight the way that he fought. I expected, I don’t want to say more or less, I expected different, umm but I think he realized there’s a lot of shock and awe when it comes to 205”. ‘LionHeart’ also took the platform to address one of his crucial concerns.

Smith’s remarks hint at a loss of advantage that Pereira will face as he moves upwards in weight. On Pereira, he says, “He’s impressive at 185” but that reality is different in higher classes. He chalks up Pereira’s advantage to his size and power; an advantage that Pereira can avail only in the Middleweight Division. The former LHW title challenger also added, “If we’re talking just pure power I don’t think he’s any more powerful than Blachowicz, I don’t think he’s any more powerful than a guy like Johnny Walker even, if he gets one clean on you”.

Michael Bisping also chimed in, sharing Smith’s perspective. ‘The Count’ said, “With Pereira, he was gigantic at 185 so it kinda makes sense, but that doesn’t mean he’s automatically going to be a monster at 205”. Bisping’s comments strike a chord similar to Smith’s, emphasizing that success in one division doesn’t guarantee parallel success in another.

Pereira’s Test in Time – Awaiting the Next Knockout Moment

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The spotlight is currently on ‘Poatan’ in the aftermath of his remarkable victory. Amid varied voices and assessments, his undeniable talent and recent victory create a unique paradox. On one hand, his spectacular win has entitled him to fair recognition and praise. On the other hand, notes of caution from veterans like Smith and Bisping add a twist to the narrative; they suggest a complex, challenging road ahead.

How Pereira evolves his fighting style to keep up with the hard-hitting reality of the LHW division will be critical. Will he validate the diverse views expressed by Smith and Bisping, or will he defy them with continued dominance? Only time will tell.

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In the meantime, the Brazilian’s next fight will likely be for the vacant light heavyweight title. Do you think the former champion can conquer a second division in the UFC? Let us know in the comments.

Watch This Story: After Alex Pereira’s Win Against Jan Blachowicz, Jiri Prochazka Teases Fight Against ‘Poatan’

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Written by:

Rajdeep Jayan is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. Rajdeep was inculcated into the world of combat sports through his love for Sylvester Stallone's iconic character, the 'Italian Stallion,' Rocky Balboa. His early obsession with the genre was recently rekindled by the debates he would engage in with his roommate during his college days.

Edited by:

Yeswanth Praveen

“I Don’t Think He’s Any…”- Alex Pereira’s Lost Major Advantage at LHW Division Despite Win Against Jan Blachowicz at UFC 291 as Claimed by Legends

Did Alex Pereira sacrifice his greatest weapon for 205 lbs move?

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