Chael Sonnen explains how Alex Pereira could potentially attain MMA GOAT status: "The discussion is over whether we like it or not"
Chael Sonnen has made a bold prediction about Alex Pereira's potential to become the greatest MMA fighter of all time. The former UFC title contender believes that if Pereira can capture the UFC heavyweight title, there will be no question about his status as the GOAT.
Pereira, who recently defended his light heavyweight title against Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303, has already achieved remarkable success in his MMA career. Having previously won titles in both the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions, Pereira has become a force to be reckoned with in the sport.
Speaking to Ariel Helwani in a recent interview, Sonnen emphasized the significance of Pereira winning a third UFC title, saying:
"I feel like if he wins it at heavyweight, even if he's an interim, you know, he's just trying to fight [Tom] Aspinall at 300 [pounds] for example, if it's an interim or the undisputed. I feel like if he wins a belt at heavyweight and goes, Champ, champ, champ [three division champion] the discussion is over whether we like it or not. We no longer talk about who's the GOAT, We just we refer to Alex... And it is an amazing thing what he did, 36 years old."
Check out Chael Sonnen's comments on Alex Pereira below:
Check out the full interview below (35:55):
Alex Pereira set to defend title against Khalil Rountree at UFC 307
Alex Pereira will defend his title against Khalil Rountree in the main event of UFC 307, which is set to take place in Salt Lake City on Oct. 5.
Pereira has already defended his title twice this year, defeating both Jamahal Hill and Jiri Prochazka. A win in this fight would make him one of the most dominant champions in UFC history.
Rountree is coming into the fight on a five-fight winning streak and has been a rising star in the light heavyweight division. However, he was recently suspended for two months after testing positive for banned substances.
The co-main event of UFC 307 will feature a women's bantamweight title fight between champion Raquel Pennington and former champion Julianna Peña.