Tag: alex pereira

UFC Middleweight Doesn’t Give Dricus Du Plessis A Chance Against Alex Pereira: ‘He Can Beat DDP Easily’

UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis is set to return at UFC 312 next month where he will put the title on the line for a second time. “Stillknocks” certainly isn’t short on contenders at 185-pounds even when looking past his next challenge, a rematch with Sean Strickland in Sydney, Australia. However, there is always […]

UFC middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis is set to return at UFC 312 next month where he will put the title on the line for a second time. “Stillknocks” certainly isn’t short on contenders at 185-pounds even when looking past his next challenge, a rematch with Sean Strickland in Sydney, Australia.

However, there is always going to be talk and debate around champions moving up or down a weight class to face another titleholder in the promotion and this is something that has interested Du Plessis in the past. It also just so happens that the current champion in the division above him is the former middleweight king also.

Many fans expect to see Alex Pereira defend the light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev in his next outing inside the Octagon. The only exception might be that because “Poatan” has become such a star for the promotion, they could look to capitalize on putting together a super fight for the Brazilian.

Middleweight contender Caio Borralho recently trained alongside Pereira and used that experience to weigh-in on how a potential matchup between him and Du Plessis would play out if they end up meeting at some stage. He told Submission Radio that whilst the debate would change if you factor Khamzat Chimaev into the conversation, he believes that Pereira would be a tough style clash for “DDP”.

“I think he can beat DDP easily,” Borralho told Submission Radio. “I think very easily he can beat DDP. I think Khamzat (Chimaev) is a different story because of the grappling, but ‘Poatan’ is definitely getting better at defending takedowns. He’s a big guy, very big guy. It would be hard for Khamzat to keep him down.

“He made a good choice moving up to the light heavyweight division. … I think he can knock DDP out really easily because DDP commits a lot of mistakes in his fights and a lot of openings,” Borralho said. “If you leave even a small opening with a guy like Alex, you’re going to get knocked out.”

Caio Borralho: Alex Pereira Would Easily Knock Out Dricus Du Plessis

Caio Borralho: Alex Pereira Would Easily Knock Out Dricus Du PlessisCaio Borralho doesn’t think Dricus Du Plessis would stand a chance against Alex Pereira. Du Plessis, the UFC’s reigning…

Caio Borralho: Alex Pereira Would Easily Knock Out Dricus Du Plessis

Caio Borralho doesn’t think Dricus Du Plessis would stand a chance against Alex Pereira.

Du Plessis, the UFC’s reigning middleweight world champion, already has a pretty full 2025. Aside from his scheduled rematch against Sean Strickland at UFC 312 on February 8, ‘DDP’ will also be tasked with taking out undefeated Chechen monster Khamzat Chimaev, should he go two-up on ‘Tarzan’ next month.

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However, that hasn’t stopped rumors of his potential move up to light heavyweight for a shot at champ-champ status against 205’s top dog, Alex Pereira.

As intriguing as that fight sounds, rising 185-pound contender Caio Borralho is confident that ‘Poatan’ would easily pick apart Du Plessis’ unorthodox style should the two ever meet inside the Octagon.

“I think he can knock DDP out really easily, ’cause DDP makes a lot of mistakes in his fights, you know? A lot of openings and all that,” Borralho said during an appearance on Submission Radio. “And if you leave even a small opening with a guy like Alex, you know, I think you’re gonna get knocked out.”

Magomed Ankalaev is likely next for Alex Pereira

After defending his light heavyweight title three times in 2024, scoring a trio of earth-shattering knockouts against Jamahal Hill, Jiri Prochazka, and Khalil Rountree, Alex Pereira has not yet booked his first bout of 2025. However, all signs indicate he will square off with the division’s top-ranked contender, Magomed Ankalaev.

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Even if ‘Poatan’ recently dismissed him as the next man in line.

Meanwhile, ‘DDP’ will look to land another win over Sean Strickland next month after snatching away the middleweight title from the outspoken American last January via a closely contested split decision victory.

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Are you at all interested in a superfight between Du Plessis and Pereira, or should both fighters stay in their respective lanes?

Caio Borralho Describes the Fear of Facing Alex Pereira: ‘Trading Punches with Him Is Terrifying’

Caio Borralho Describes the Fear of Facing Alex Pereira: ‘Trading Punches with Him Is Terrifying’Brazilian UFC middleweight contender Caio Borralho recently opened up about his experience sparring with UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex…

Caio Borralho Describes the Fear of Facing Alex Pereira: ‘Trading Punches with Him Is Terrifying’

Brazilian UFC middleweight contender Caio Borralho recently opened up about his experience sparring with UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Alex Pereira. Known for his devastating knockout power and elite striking, Pereira has earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous fighters in the sport.

Caio Borralho Trains with Alex Pereira

The knockout power is something Caio Borralho experienced firsthand during their training sessions. In a candid interview with Submission Radio, Borralho described Pereira as a “nerd of the game,” highlighting his knowledge of striking and his improving grappling skills. He explained:

“Alex is a nerd of the game, you know? He’s a guy with a lot of knowledge, definitely about the striking game, and I think he’s getting really better and better in the grappling game.”

Caio Borralho admitted:

“I already imagine it’s going to be a scary thing, you know? It’s definitely a scary position to be in front of him and trading punches with him.”

Despite the challenges, Borralho embraced the opportunity, “That’s the way that I get better, you know? So, definitely great training with him.”

He noted that the sessions were tough but productive, with both fighters benefiting from the experience. The collaboration between Caio Borralho and Alex Pereira has drawn attention from MMA fans and analysts alike, given their respective ranks and potential future matchups. While Borralho continues his rise in the middleweight division, Alex Pereira remains dominant at light heavyweight after a stellar 2024 campaign.

Caio Borralho

Caio Borralho had a breakout year in 2024, with impressive wins in the middleweight division against Paul Craig and Jared Cannonier to round out his record to 17-1 overall. He has no future bouts booked but he will likely be facing a top-five middleweight opponent.

“So, definitely great training with him. I think we are going to train a lot together. It was a good environment. It was good, tough training, and I think we both got better from this training.”

UFC Middleweight Contender Recalls Turning Down Alex Pereira Fight In 2022: ‘I Was Like, F*ck No’

UFC middleweight contender Chris Curtis has no issue proclaiming his decision to turn down an offer to share the cage with Alex Pereira a number of years ago. Pereira has carved a path of destruction to championship gold since debuting on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage in 2021, leaving a number of unconscious bodies in […]

UFC middleweight contender Chris Curtis has no issue proclaiming his decision to turn down an offer to share the cage with Alex Pereira a number of years ago.

Pereira has carved a path of destruction to championship gold since debuting on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage in 2021, leaving a number of unconscious bodies in his way.

The former two-division Glory Kickboxing kingpin has repeated his multi-weight feat from the striking-only sport inside the cage, collecting both the middleweight and light heavyweight belts in the space of his first seven fights.

And 2024 marked his most violent year in the UFC to date, with “Poatan” recording three knockouts of Jamahal Hill, Ji?í Procházka, and Khalil Rountree to cement his grip on the 205-pound crown.

That run of results has only enhanced Pereira’s reputation as a feared knockout artist. And a middleweight fighter, for one, wanted no part of the Brazilian’s famed left hook.

During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Curtis recalled giving the UFC a firm “no” when Pereira’s name was proposed to him back in 2022.

“I don’t usually say no unless your name’s Alex Pereira, then I’ve definitely said no,” Curtis said. “Outside of that, I’m just here to fight people. So whatever comes up, comes up. I just want to have fun fights.

“They offered me that fight before Bruno Silva, the Bruno Silva fight, or maybe it’s the one Sean (Strickland) took and they offered it to us first,” Curtis continued. “I was like, ‘F*ck no. I’m not fighting him on like, kind of short notice.’ I was like, ‘There’s no way.’ Because not only do I not want to fight him – I’m not doing it on short notice.”

Curtis, who was formerly ranked at 185 pounds, is set to kick off his 2025 campaign this weekend at the Apex. On the first UFC card of the year, “Action Man” will do battle with the highly regarded Roman Kopylov.

Pereira, meanwhile, is without a fight date in the calendar. While many expect him to face the challenge of Magomed Ankalaev next, “Poatan’s” most recent remarks saw him point to a different assignment.

Jan B?achowicz Explains Jon Jones’ Callout Of Alex Pereira: ‘He’s A Little Bit Afraid’ Of Aspinall

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan B?achowicz believes an element of fear is playing into heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones’ apparent preference for his next fight. Considerable uncertainty surrounds Jones entering 2025, with the next step in his career yet to be decided following his controversial decision to face Stipe Miocic last November instead of the […]

Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan B?achowicz believes an element of fear is playing into heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones’ apparent preference for his next fight.

Considerable uncertainty surrounds Jones entering 2025, with the next step in his career yet to be decided following his controversial decision to face Stipe Miocic last November instead of the division’s interim titleholder, Tom Aspinall.

And despite the belts still not being unified, “Bones” has frequently pointed to a showdown with light heavyweight champ Alex Pereira as his desired next outing instead.

While some have put that down to a marketing tactic that doesn’t truly reflect how Jones feels about facing Aspinall, one man who had his own pursuit of the Rochester native fail a number of years ago sees things differently.

During a recent interview with MMA Fighting, B?achowicz addressed the current state of the heavyweight title picture, outlining his belief that Jones is “afraid” of sharing the cage with Aspinall.

“I think (Jones) does this because Alex Pereira is now a big star in the UFC,” B?achowicz said. “Everybody knows him. He knows what he’s doing. But I believe he should fight against Aspinall, but I think he’s a little bit afraid of him.

“Because Aspinall is someone who can really stop him and beat him. I think he believes if he can fight against Pereira, he can take him down, control him, maybe something like this,” B?achowicz continued. “With Aspinall, it will be not so easy.”

B?achowicz looked to be next in line for Jones before he made the decision to vacate the light heavyweight crown in 2020 ahead of a move to heavyweight. The Polish powerhouse later captured the vacant throne at the expense of Dominick Reyes.

The veteran is now chasing a second reign, a goal that was most recently stalled by Pereira. B?achowicz welcomed the ex-middleweight champ to 205 pounds in 2023, losing a close and debated decision to “Poatan.”

The 41-year-old is now set to end his lengthy injury layoff by doing battle with the charging Carlos Ulberg at the UFC Fight Night in London this March.

‘Bet The House On Ankalaev’ – Fans Debate Alex Pereira Being Favorite To End 2025 As UFC LHW Champion

The odds are in for the UFC’s champions in 2025, and betting lines for a number of divisions have stirred debate. As always, titles are expected to change hands on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage in the new year. DraftKings doesn’t, however, have the light heavyweight class as one in which a new kingpin could […]

The odds are in for the UFC’s champions in 2025, and betting lines for a number of divisions have stirred debate.

As always, titles are expected to change hands on mixed martial arts’ biggest stage in the new year. DraftKings doesn’t, however, have the light heavyweight class as one in which a new kingpin could be crowned.

Opening odds for who will have UFC gold in their possession in 12 months’ time recently emerged, with Alex Pereira set as the favorite to be occupying the 205-pound throne at the end of 2025.

For that to be the case, the Brazilian would seemingly need to get past the challenge of top contender Magomed Ankalaev. The Russian has long staked his claim for a shot at Pereira, and despite the champ pointing to a different assignment next time out, many still expect the one-time challenger to get his opportunity this year.

The odds have Ankalaev as the second favorite to finish 2025 as the UFC light heavyweight titleholder at +195, being pipped to the post by “Poatan’s” -120 line.

That, in addition to the figures beside names like Khamzat Chimaev, Jamahal Hill, and Jan B?achowicz, have split opinion in the MMA community online.