Former UFC double champion Daniel Cormier recently shared his astonishment at the rapid success of Alex Pereira in mixed martial arts.
Pereira, a former kickboxer, burst onto the UFC scene in November 2021 and quickly climbed the ranks to become one of the organization’s top stars, headlining the prestigious UFC 300 card on April 13, 2024.
In just eight fights over less than three years, Pereira achieved the remarkable feat of becoming a two-division UFC champion, boasting six knockout victories and successfully defending his titles twice. Cormier expressed his surprise at Pereira’s accomplishments, particularly considering the Brazilian’s perceived lack of wrestling skills.
Daniel Cormier Reflects on Alex Pereira’s Remarkable Rise in MMA
During an episode of the Good Guy/Bad Guy podcast with Chael Sonnen, Cormier remarked:
”I’m sitting there at night going, how’s he doing this when he can’t wrestle!. With all due respect because Alex and I have a great relationship, he can’t wrestle. He does not know how to wrestle”
Cormier’s comments reflect a common sentiment among observers who marvel at Pereira’s ability to dominate opponents despite his apparent deficiency in wrestling technique.
Pereira recently defended his light heavyweight title by defeating Jamahal Hill at UFC 300, further solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with in the UFC.
However, challenges lie ahead for Pereira, particularly in the form of potential opponents like Magomed Ankalaev from Dagestan, known for their formidable wrestling skills.
As Pereira’s journey in MMA continues, his strength and striking prowess remain undeniable factors contributing to his success.
An analysis by Instagram user fightingdoc highlighted Pereira’s devastating hooks and his ability to generate tremendous power through weight shifting and torque, underscoring his effectiveness as a striker despite his limited wrestling background.
