Can Alex Pereira really become the greatest mixed martial artist of all time? Chel Sonnen thinks so. Regarding The Fighter and The Kid, Sonnen praised Pereira's extraordinary growth. Pereira has already won two UFC titles in just 12 professional MMA fights. Not bad for a former kickboxing champion, right?
His record is impressive in both arenas. He most recently defended his light heavyweight title at UFC 300 with an impressive first-round TKO win over Jamahal Hill. Sonnen's bold claim? Pereira could become the undisputed GOAT if he wins three weight classes. But how likely is that?
From the king of kickboxing to the king of MMA
Chael Sonnen explained Alex Pereira's potential greatness with unique clarity. “Alex Pereira, that's an amateur. He holds the amateur record. He's done it 12 times. He's only done it eight times in the Octagon. But within those eight… He has won two world titles and defeated five world champions,” explained Sonnen.
Additionally, Sonnen emphasized that Pereira lacks the traditional martial arts background that is usually the backbone of most martial artists' careers.
“If I told you that Alex Pereira, who has never had a wrestling match or a grappling match and is not even a black belt, is the greatest to ever compete, you would roll your eyes,” he said. Ta. said.
This point highlights that Pereira has taken an unconventional path in his martial arts career, increasing his accomplishments inside the Octagon. Sonnen also suggested that Pereira's true test and path to undeniable greatness will include conquering yet another division.
“But if he's the first person in history to be a champion, champion, champion and actually be able to do that, then yeah, he might actually be able to do that. If he did that, who the Goat is?” “We're not having a conversation about whether we're going to just call him Goat,” Sonnen argued.
Beyond St-Pierre & DC: Pereira aims to become UFC's first 'Champ, Champ, Champ'
This ambitious goal is not only unprecedented, but it will place Pereira firmly in the pantheon of mixed martial arts legends. Sonnen also drew comparisons to other legendary fighters to explain the unique challenges Pereira faces.
“Yeah, think about how great Georges St-Pierre is at 170, 185. But none of us expected him to go up to 205. That’s just one example. That was Jon Jones at the time. Or when Daniel Cormier became a heavyweight, “light heavyweight, but we knew he wasn't going to be able to compete in the 185 weight class,'' he added.
These comparisons help highlight the rarity and difficulty of achieving success in multiple weight classes, and set the stage for Pereira's next potential step.
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Finally, Sonnen addressed the impending ambitions of Pereira. “Alex, he really wants to fight Tom. It's not just that he's on adrenaline. He tried to fight Tom in the 300. You remember when we put it out, you know, 300,' plus 30 is 300? But he really would. ”
“And he's going to be the first one that we step back from. I'm not going to say I think he can beat Tom, but he'll be the first one to go, yeah, give him a shot. Please, he might be able to beat him,” Sonnen concluded, underscoring Pereira's readiness and willingness to take on the new challenge head on.
Can he really transcend his weight class and secure his spot as the greatest of all time? What do you think? Does Pereira have what it takes to achieve this unprecedented feat in MMA?
