Robert Whittaker Discusses Which UFC Light Heavyweight Legend Would Have Challenged Alex Pereira Severely

While Alex Pereira is recognized as one of the greatest strikers in UFC history, he possesses a notable technical deficiency that opponents have yet to fully exploit.

This coming Saturday, Alex Pereira will have the opportunity for immediate revenge as he faces Magomed Ankalaev in the main event of UFC 320 for the light heavyweight championship title.

In their initial encounter earlier this year at UFC 313, Ankalaev achieved a significant upset, dominantly outstriking the Brazilian for all five rounds.

Prior to that bout, Ankalaev surprised fans by stating his intention to exchange blows with “Poatan” rather than employing his wrestling prowess.

Robert Whittaker Identifies a UFC Light Heavyweight Who Would Have Posed a Major Threat to Pereira

Since his 2022 debut in the premier mixed martial arts promotion, the Brazilian kickboxer has consistently demonstrated his exceptional striking abilities, solidifying his reputation as one of the sport`s finest stand-up fighters.

Despite being one of the most precise and devastating strikers, Pereira`s wrestling and takedown defense leave much to be desired.

Nonetheless, until now, few of his adversaries have truly sought to capitalize on this vulnerability; Jan Blachowicz was the only one to integrate wrestling as a primary component of his strategy against him.

In light of this, former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker has revealed which legendary UFC light heavyweight fighter would have given Pereira a “true hell.”

“If you look at Pereira`s opponents he`s fought, yes, he`s blown through them, but those guys weren`t the ones to beat him, I don`t think,” Whittaker began to explain on the MMArcade Podcast.

“There aren`t many heavy wrestling-mixed martial artists in the division right now. You know what I was just thinking… Who would`ve given Alex hell? (Daniel Cormier). Light heavyweight DC, I reckon, would`ve just run him over,” Whittaker continued.

Due to his historic rivalry with Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier is often overlooked as one of the all-time greatest fighters. However, his skill set and accomplishments speak for themselves, affirming his status as one of the greatest 205-pound fighters ever.

Pereira Poised to Potentially Surpass Cormier with a UFC 320 Victory

Fortunately for “Poatan,” he entered the UFC during the post-Cormier era, ensuring their paths never intersected inside the octagon.

Despite Cormier`s extensive history and success in the division, a victory over Ankalaev this Saturday could see Pereira potentially surpass “DC” in terms of most title defenses in the weight class, though Jon Jones still holds the top position.