Alex Pereira could have closed down voting for Fighter of the Yr in 2024 together with his third title protection inside six months at UFC 307, however has he additionally cemented himself because the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter within the sport?
That’s the argument UFC analyst Alan Jouban made on the most recent episode of The Fighter vs. The Author when addressing Pereira’s spectacular efficiency the place he scored a fourth-round knockout to complete Rountree. That strikes Pereira to 3-0 for the 12 months with three knockouts in three title fights, he’s 5-0 at mild heavyweight and he grew to become a two-division UFC champion in solely seven bouts with the group.
“Alex Pereira — I feel he ought to be No. 1 pound-for-pound on this planet proper now,” Jouban mentioned. “Due to his exercise and performances. He’s carrying the UFC single-handedly proper now. Alex Pereira deserves I feel to be up there at No. 1.”
Proper now, UFC light-weight champion Islam Makhachev is ranked because the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter within the sport by the UFC and by the MMA Combating International Rankings with Pereira cemented at No. 2 on each lists.
Whereas Makhachev has solely tasted defeat as soon as in his profession, and he’s at the moment driving a 14-fight win streak with victories over three former UFC champions, Jouban believes there are nonetheless some flaws on his latest resume that don’t match the work that Pereira is placing in recently.
“Islam, sure I feel he beat the extra established names that you just talked about if you discuss [Alexander] Volkanovski and Dustin Poirier,” Jouban mentioned. “However if you take a look at the 2 names proper there, Volkanovski as we simply mentioned it’s apparent, however he’s a [featherweight] developing in weight. So he was among the best pound-for-pound fighters on this planet, however he was a man that was undersized combating up in weight.
“Dustin Poirier, pretty much as good as he’s and as established as a reputation, this was the better combat for them. They hand-picked Dustin Poirier. Sure, he was the man obtainable, however he was additionally the man that they knew he doesn’t defend takedowns effectively, and he’s misplaced all of his title fights by choke. In order that they took considerably the better path proper right here and hand-picked Poirier. That’s why I’ve to discredit a few of it. I feel there’s credit score, however that’s why I might put Pereira above him.”
Jouban additionally pushes again in opposition to UFC CEO Dana White stating that he believes Jon Jones continues to be the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter within the sport regardless of not competing since March 2023, which was his first look in over three years.
Whereas it’s far more troublesome to disclaim Jones’ place as arguably the best fighter of all-time, Jouban believes his latest inactivity in comparison with any person like Pereira is what prices him on the pound-for-pound listing.
“The argument that Dana White retains speaking about is Jon Jones continues to be No. 1 — we all know he’s the GOAT, however he hasn’t finished sufficient not too long ago, and that’s why lots of people disagree with Dana as a result of he hasn’t been combating, he hasn’t been lively within the final couple of years so how will you put him at No. 1?” Jouban mentioned. “So if we’re speaking about latest success the man that simply defended his belt, three knockouts in 175 days in opposition to prime tier competitors and carried occasions.
“[Alex Pereira] continues to defend his belt and end fights on the most important playing cards that they’ll presumably make. That’s why my argument of take a look at the latest progress that he has had. I give him that one. That’s the way in which I take a look at it. He’s finished a lot recently, and it’s a what have you ever finished for me recently sport.”
If there’s any query about Pereira’s standing among the many pound-for-pound greatest within the sport, Jouban believes his subsequent combat ought to fulfill these curiosities.
Magomed Ankalaev faces Aleksandar Rakic at UFC 308, and with a win, he ought to virtually actually find yourself as Pereira’s subsequent opponent.
Most imagine Ankalaev was essentially the most deserving fighter forward of UFC 307, but when Pereira can vanquish him the identical approach he’s gone by way of Rountree, Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka, then it’s going to be awfully powerful to maintain him out of that prime spot.
“His exercise is a lot, he’s carrying the UFC, however the argument for me could be about has he finished sufficient?” Jouban mentioned. “It’s nearly has he confirmed that well-roundedness? As a result of he’s had predominantly strikers in his profession.
“A win over [Magomed] Ankalaev is a no brainer. That is the man that’s carrying the UFC proper now and now he has handed all assessments.”
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