UFC star believes that Alex Pereira can perform admirably in the light heavyweight division.
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Following his defeat to Israel Adesanya in April, causing him to relinquish the middleweight championship, Alex Pereira made the bold choice to move up to the light heavyweight division.
In his inaugural bout at 205 pounds, Pereira is slated to face Jan Blachowicz, the former titleholder of the division, at UFC 291. According to UFC veteran Anthony Smith, Alex Pereira, known as “Poatan,” might encounter some difficulties when competing in a higher weight category.
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Although Anthony Smith believes that Alex Pereira can perform admirably in the light heavyweight division, he anticipates the Brazilian encountering challenges when facing the division’s elite fighters. During a recent appearance on the MMA Hour, Smith also disclosed his prediction for the Blachowicz vs. Pereira matchup.
“I think he can do well, for sure. He’s going to have a tough time with some of the top guys, just with his skill set. But just in pure striking matches, I think he can do well.
“I think Jan Blachowicz is a pretty tough matchup, if I’m being honest. I think it’s a really tough matchup. Yeah, I do [think Pereira loses that].”
Jamahal Hill, at 205 pounds, currently holds the title to surpass, triumphing over Glover Teixeira to claim the vacant championship at UFC 283 in January. Similarly, Smith holds the opinion that Alex Pereira won’t fare favorably against the current reigning champion.
“I think Jamahal Hill beats him too. It’s a matchup thing, though. It’s a matchup thing. There’s a lot of guys at light heavyweight that he’ll beat and could look really great doing it. Jan Blachowicz is tough.”
Smith believes that Pereira’s kicking techniques may not carry the same level of effectiveness when facing opponents in the light heavyweight division.
“Again, we’re talking about leg kicks here — Jan Blachowicz might be the best kick defender in the entire UFC, and I’ve been saying that for a long time. But if you go back and even watch the Adesanya fight, it all starts with the leg kicks.”
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