UFC middleweight champion Alex Pereira is one of the most feared strikers. This attribute is not just in the UFC, but the Brazilian ‘knock-out artist’ is one of the most lethal finishers in the sport. However, he has doubters in the sport as they think they may have spotted a weakness. ‘Poatan’ fared against Israel Adesanya at UFC 281 and he was taken down by the former champion. The most striking feature that some fans noticed was Periera’s weak wrestling in the bout as Adesanya’s ground control time was 6 minutes 34 seconds. Moreover, this feature could play an important role in their next fight at UFC 287. However, Pereira has something to say ahead of his fight.
Alex Pereira issues a statement against his doubters
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Alex Pereira recently appeared in an interview with ESPN MMA’s Brett Okamoto. He discussed various aspects of his fighting style and his next match against Israel Adesanya. With the help of his translator and coach Plinio Cruz, ‘Poatan’ revealed some striking details. He targeted his doubters who claim that Pereira will not fare well against a wrestler in the middleweight division.
The UFC middleweight champion was questioned whether he is aware of what people speak about his fight against ‘Stylebender’. Okamoto asked him if he is aware that wrestlers in his division believe they can get the better of ‘Poatan’ if they were to fight.
Periera answered through his coach, “People who talk about this are the people who have never really grappled him [Alex Pereira].” His coach added, “People that haven’t really trained with him. Other guys that come in rolled him and grappled… He’s not trying to prove that there’s nobody doing his thing. Stay tuned for the future…”
Furthermore, Alex Pereira stated, “Try to understand this guys. People say that he cannot grapple but I don’t think almost nobody could be able to put Israel down in a takedown. He took him down…” Alex Periera pointed out his wrestling game by putting light on a takedown he got over Adesanya.
Daniel Cormier applauded Alex Pereira’s wrestling and warned the middleweights
Although many doubters still exist, UFC legend Daniel Cormier has tested and applauded Pereira’s wrestling defense. One of the best wrestlers to grace the UFC, Cormier appreciated Pereira’s wrist control. The former UFC double champion added, “I am telling you, from grabbing him, he has an understanding of how to defend himself when guys are trying to take him down. And that may spell disaster for the guys at the middleweight.”
What do you think about Alex Pereira’s wrestling? Let us know in the comments below.
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Shibu Immanuel