‘Not a Champion’: MMA Analyst Claims Alex Pereira Wouldn’t Have Thrived in Jon Jones-Daniel Cormier Era

His rise in the UFC has been so meteoric that light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is already being spoken about as one of the greatest of all time. The predominant notion is that a third title victory would seal Pereira’s legacy in the sport. However, veteran MMA analyst Luke Thomas believes Pereira does not have it in him to be discussed in the same breath as other light heavyweight greats.

Thomas reminded that there was an age not so long back when the 205 lbs division had fighters like Ryan Bader, Lyoto Machida, Glover Teixeira, Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones. He asserted that Pereira would never have become a champion in 2014 while competing with these legends in their prime.

“Guys, I have terrible news for you… He is not beating Anthony Johnson. And if he does, he is sure as sh*t not beating Daniel Cormier. And even if you want to say he beats Daniel Cormier, he’s beating 2014 Jon Jones? Go f*** yourself. No, he’s not. He’s not winning that fight at all. He’s not a champion in that era,” said Thomas.

Thomas does have a point. Pereira’s rise in the light heavyweight division has coincided with its most lackluster period in terms of roster quality and depth. The 2014 batch, on the other hand, had well-rounded and quality fighters.

Another point to consider is that Pereira is yet to face a grappler in the UFC. He has won two titles in two weight divisions without facing someone who has the skills to put him on his back to pound or grind. And he doesn’t seem too keen on facing a wrestler either. Unless of course, it’s Jones.

Pereira needs to fight Magomed Ankalaev

Since his return from injury, Jones himself has expressed his interest to fight Pereira multiple times. Even though, as the undisputed heavyweight champion, he should be fighting interim champion, Tom Aspinall.

Pereira could prove an easy match-up for Jones, primarily because his ground game has never been tested. Even UFC bossman Dana White has admitted that he doesn’t want to put Pereira in a cage with Jones since the heavyweight champ is too good a grappler.

But Pereira believes the fight is inevitable. However, before that, he must defend his title against the #1 contender in the light heavyweight division — Magomed Ankalaev. The Russian has long been banging at the door, but Pereira has been refusing to fight him. It seems he may not be able to evade for too long.

And the Ankalaev bout will also let the UFC matchmakers know if Pereira can hold his own against a grappler of repute. Sort of like a litmus test before allowing him to take on Jones.