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After Conor McGregor, Alex Pereira Is Perfectly Capable of Becoming the Next Face of the UFC

Published 11/14/2023, 12:13 PM EST

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Even after losing its key attraction, UFC 295 managed to give fans a fun experience. Moreover, it gave the UFC a new two-division champion! In the main event fight, Alex Pereira faced former champ Jiri Prochazka for the UFC light heavyweight title. Knocking his opponent out in the second round, Pereira not only won the title but also rewrote history. In just seven UFC fights, ‘Poatan’ has managed to win two UFC belts, which is a record in itself.

Further, his star power has increased since his UFC 295 victory. As of now, UFC does not have an elite star to become the promotion’s face. While Conor McGregor might be the biggest UFC star of all time, he is inactive right now. This leaves a space for a new fighter to represent the UFC as its biggest name. And without a doubt, Alex Pereira seems like the perfect man for the job!

Alex Pereira, a mix of elite performances and an exciting fighting style, just like Conor McGregor

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Ever since his UFC debut, the Brazilian fighter has been the talk of the town. The biggest reason behind this is his thrilling fighting style. A former kickboxer, ‘Poatan’ uses his accuracy and power to knock his opponents out. In his 7 UFC fights, the UFC champ has knocked out 4 opponents.

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Further, he has managed to defeat top MMA fighters like Israel Adesanya, Jiri Prochazka, and Sean Strickland in his short UFC stint. From left hooks to leg kicks, Kickboxing majorly influences his fighting style and makes it exciting to watch.

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If we look at Conor McGregor’s career graph, we can understand that the same two factors (dominating performances and an exciting fighting style) helped him achieve his star status. Similarly, ‘Poatan’ also has the potential to follow in the Irishman’s footsteps.

Alex Pereira and Conor McGregor – the two biggest combat sports athletes at MSG

MSG has hosted some of the most memorable sporting events. However, when it comes to combat sports, two names rule this place: Conor McGregor and Alex Pereira. Three of the four highest-grossing events at MSG have been in the UFC. At #3 comes UFC 281: Adesanya vs. Pereira, with $11.6 million.

 

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‘Poatan’ appears on the list once again, as UFC 295 Pereira vs. Prochazka takes #2 place with $12.4 million. At #1 sits ‘The Notorious’, as the UFC 205 Alvarez vs. McGregor is still the highest-grossing MSG event, with $17.7 in revenue.

Alex Pereira’s presence on this list clearly states one fact. The UFC light heavyweight champion attracts viewers in the masses, and he can be the next big thing at the UFC. Now, with another UFC belt on his waist, fans will see ‘Poatan’ in many more main events in the future.

Will Dana White allow Alex Pereira to fight outside the UFC like Conor McGregor?

UFC CEO Dana White never lets his fighters compete outside of the promotion. However, White exempted Conor McGregor from this rule in 2017, when the Irishman fought Floyd Mayweather. Also, McGregor lost the boxing bout, but his entry into the squared ring helped the UFC in many ways!

Since then, the UFC has granted this privilege to no other fighter. However, Alex Pereira can be the next one! After his UFC 295 victory, the Brazilian’s popularity is on an exponential rise. Also, his elite striking skills mean the UFC champ can be pleasantly surprised in the boxing ring!

If the UFC CEO decides to let Pereira compete in a boxing fight like Conor McGregor, the bout can bring in handsome financial benefits for the company and the fighter. Also, Pereira’s possible boxing win can give the UFC a much-needed edge over boxing.

Alex Pereira’s story and rivalry

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One of the key factors behind Alex Pereira’s success is his background story and his rivalry with Israel Adesanya. It is one of the biggest rivalries in the history of combat sports. Also, Pereira’s journey from Brazil’s favela to UFC greatness is one of a kind.

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The UFC and Dana White can easily market these aspects and make Alex Pereira the face of the brand. After UFC 295, it remains to be seen if Alex Pereira and Israel Adesanya will face each other again. If they do, the fight will surely be one of the biggest UFC events of all time.

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Can Alex Pereira become the face of the UFC? Should he be treated like Conor McGregor? Let us know in the comments below.

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Written by:

Sushant Sharma

920Articles

One take at a time

I am a 24-year-old MMA enthusiast and a UFC Writer at EssentiallySports. My passion for mixed martial arts has been a significant part of my life for over five years. Having previously trained in boxing, I developed a deep appreciation for combat sports.
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Edited by:

Abhishek Kumar Das