Alex Pereira already has one of the best success stories in UFC history. It only took him 7 fights to clinch the Middleweight title from one of the best in the division ‘Izzy’. However, people wonder, was he that good to stand in the same class as Brock Lesnar and Anderson Silva? Although the fight had to be set up sooner or later because it had a lot of hype surrounding it.
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Joe Rogan is famous for his in-depth breakdown of topics on his podcast with his guests. He recently sat down with Joaquin Buckley. ‘New Mansa’ also competes in the Middleweight division and shared Joe’s opinion.
They both believed that Alex Pereira was fast-tracked to face the former Middleweight champion Israel ‘The Stlyebender’ Adesanya. ‘Poatan’ had only had 6 professional MMA fights in total and 3 UFC fights leading up to the title shot.
Alex Pereira: A champion in the making
Having lost his first-ever professional MMA fight, ‘Poatan’ went on to win all of his next 6 fights. This includes winning the UFC Middleweight title at Madison Square Garden against ‘Izzy’. Although, the winning streak alone could not justify him getting the title shot. So Rogan alongside Buckley broke down into why they felt this match-up was set up so soon.
Joe said, “I think that’s one of the reasons why they fast-tracked to the title. Because of the fact the that it is hyped up. It’s a big fight.” Buckley seemed to be on the same page and replied, “It’s a big fight. It’s all about money.”
It would have been really difficult for him to get a win if they had faced any other top contender in the division. The Octagon is full of vicious fighters who are trained for years in various disciplines. Joe emphasized that Marvin Vettori is a particularly nasty match-up for ‘Poatan’.
Joe said, “I think Marvin Vettori is a very big fight for him.” To which Buckley, “Yeah, Marvin Vettori, Robert Whittaker and Jarred Cannonier, you know.”
Joe further added, “Yes, all 3. Well, Vettori in particular. Really good at takedowns. Big fu****ng guy.”
Are we headed toward Pereira Vs Adesanya 4?
It all began in 2016 in China, when the duo first came face to face at Glory of Heroes 1. Adesanya out-struck Alex Pereira in the bout. However, ‘Poatan’ went on to clinch the victory with a decision.
They went their separate ways. Both competed for the Middleweight championship at the Glory of Heroes. Adesanya, unfortunately, could not get to win the belt, but Pereira did. They both faced each other again in Brazil. This time, Izzy took on the charge and started brightly. For a while, it looked as if Adesanya had written his name in the glory book.
But in the 3rd round, Alex gave Adesanya a knockout blow. This closed the chapter for them in the kickboxing ring. Adesanya faced bitter defeat in both of the fights.
Arguably, Adesanya did better in all the fights he has fought against Alex Pereira, yet the latter claimed the victory spoils for himself. Who do you think will emerge victorious in the rematch?
Watch this story – As ‘Brother’ Israel Adesanya Suffers the Same Fate, Kamaru Usman Makes Their Future Plans Very Clear
