Alex Pereira has become one of the most feared strikers in all of mixed martial arts (MMA), but is the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion truly a pound-for-pound best?
It’s not easy to determine. Although Pereira has achieved impressive victories against prominent fighters such as Israel Adesanya, Jiri Prochazka, and Jamahal Hill, he has primarily relied on his exceptional striking abilities. Pereira entered the UFC as a highly skilled kickboxer, so he hasn’t exactly introduced groundbreaking techniques in the Octagon.
However, is it truly significant if Pereira is triumphing in fights primarily utilizing his greatest abilities? Is it necessary for him to demonstrate more versatility in order to truly distinguish himself from his fellow competitors?
Kamaru Usman, the former UFC welterweight champion, suggests that Pereira must display more than just knockout power in order to secure a place in the pound-for-pound rankings. Usman, widely regarded as one of the greatest welterweight fighters in history and an exceptional all-around athlete, understands the requirements for distinguishing oneself and achieving lasting greatness in this sport.
“When we talk pound-for-pound, let’s not forget, pound-for-pound is a hypothetical,” said Usman during a recent episode of his “Pound 4 Pound” podcast. “That means, do you possess the highest level of striking, of wrestling, of kickboxing, of grappling, of jiu-jitsu? That’s what that means. Which means if you were put in flyweight or if you were put in welterweight or if you were put in heavyweight, your style would transfer all throughout those divisions, and you will be able to be victorious and still be No. 1.
“That’s the extent of it. Indeed, you may excel at knocking out opponents who are stationary, not engaging in combat, or not challenging your grappling skills. However, this alone does not deem you as the top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter. Therefore, there’s no need to be upset or take offense. Instead, demonstrate your pound-for-pound status by taking down your next opponent, gaining dominant position, transitioning fluidly, and securing an armbar from the top. That’s when I’ll truly acknowledge, ‘Oh, wow. Alright then.'”
Pereira is undoubtedly one of the best knockout finishers in the sport today, but does he need to showcase more grappling, wrestling, and expanded technique in the cage to be considered a true P4P fighter?
Let’s discuss!
