Ever since their last clash at UFC 287, Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira have aimed jibes at each other quite often. On one hand, the Middleweight champ continues to make headlines thanks to his growing popularity and podcast features. In contrast to Izzy, Alex has been quite fixated on his training and bulking for his move up to the Light Heavyweight division.

In recent clips, Alex has often been spotted donning his bulked-up stature, while demolishing one sparring partner after another. However, months ago, during the UFC 287 post-fight conference, Izzy had already predicted that the Brazilian would pose a real threat to the 205-pounders in his new division. Now, in a recent twist, another MMA icon has come forward to back this claim. 

Chael Sonnen, the revered MMA analyst has given his two cents on Pereira’s recent bulk, and fans are in for a surprise. The popular opinion among many fans is – Pereira’s weight class change is not a good bet. However, Sonnen argues otherwise.

Chael Sonnen echoes Adesanya’s praise for Alex Pereira’s transition to the Light Heavyweight division

In a recent episode of Beyond the Fight, the Bellator MMA icon brought up Alex Pereira’s most recent feat – maintaining a 230-pound physique with only 8% body fat. Impressive – isn’t it? Shedding light on the attention that this feat has garnered – Sonnen brought up Izzy’s “praise” for the Brazilian fighter. 

He recalled the same UFC 287 post-fight press conference, where the ‘Stylebender’ had warned UFC’s Light Heavyweight division against the caliber of Pereira. Sonnen revealed, “In fact, Adesanya told, as a blanket statement to the 205-pounders, “Good luck with him! Have fun – you’re about to feel what that guy – what a monster that guy actually is.’”

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What’s more – the analyst thinks that such a compliment from an arch-rival says a lot about Pereira’s true potential. Sonnen further added, “You can’t get better praise from Israel Adesanya – there has never been better praise!”

Defying stereotypes: Sonnen argues against the popular opinion about Pereira

In addition to shedding light on Izzy’s praise for the Brazilian, Sonnen dismissed some of the existing stereotypes about the former Middleweight champ. He referred to a “narrative” that’s supposedly become quite popular among some fans, stating, “There was a narrative and a belief that Pereira is going to get taken down by a 205 pounder and he’s going to get held there.”

Despite such rumors, the MMA analyst differs in his opinion about the Brazilian. He finds it hard to believe that a 230-pound Pereira, with such a chiseled body, could be “held down by somebody.” 

READ MORE: “He Just Has This Spirit…” – Despite Being Known as His Arch Nemesis, Israel Adesanya Makes a Stunning Disclosure on Alex Pereira

Pereira’s accolades help back the analyst’s claim – the Brazilian is a former kickboxing champ, a former MMA World Champ, and a former UFC Middleweight champion. Therefore, it goes without saying that the #10 UFC Middleweight can hardly be contained by any average Light Heavyweight contender.

Sonnen nails his arguments with a bold claim towards the end of his discussion. The analyst surprised fans, declaring, “I believe Alex Pereira was a world champion at the wrong weight class… I believe what you saw from Alex Pereira at 185 is nothing compared to what you’re gonna see from Pereira at 205.”

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