Conor McGregor explains why "no one can deny that" Alex Pereira should be UFC P4P king, backs 'Poatan' moving to heavyweightÂ
Alex Pereira was able to defend his light heavyweight title for the third time in 2024 as he defeated Khalil Rountree via fourth-round TKO at UFC 307. While he was the most active champion in 2024, he remained at No.2 in the pound-for-pound rankings.
Conor McGregor disagrees with the rankings, claiming that 'Poatan' should have risen to the top spot and expressing an interest in seeing him make the move to heavyweight. While speaking to The Schmo, the former double champ was asked about Pereira moving up, and he responded:
"Yeah, I think that would be a viable next move for him. I think he had a difficult enough weight cut, if you could see now. In fairness, his coach came out [and] said he was maybe under the weather, he was on antibiotics. I've experienced something similar. It makes everything that much more difficult so maybe he is fine at light heavyweight."
McGregor added that if Magomed Ankalaev is not his next opponent, he would like to see Pereira attempt to become a three division champion. When asked about the pound-for-pound list, 'The Notorious' added:
"2024 has been Alex Pereira's year. No one can deny that. And if we go by that, forget belts, forget any of that, it's in competition. He's four fights this year, four KO's and his most impressive one was most recently. I'd put Alex as No.1."
Check out Conor McGregor's comments on Alex Pereira below (starting at the 2:36 mark):
McGregor also shared that he would be interested in seeing Pereira face Jon Jones. He suggested that 'Poatan's style could pose a challenge for the heavyweight champion.
'Bones' has hinted that his upcoming UFC 309 clash with Stipe Miocic will be the last bout of his legendary mixed martial arts career.
Alex Pereira hints at break following busy 2024
Alex Pereira has remained active in 2024 after capturing the light heavyweight title last November. 'Poatan' recently suggested that his recent victory over Khalil Rountree was the end of that cycle. In a statement shared to his Instagram, he said:
"Thank you so much for all the support from my fans last night, all that love just makes me always train hard and perform my best to always bring a show for all of you, this year I did 3 fights and ended with 3 wins, with the end of my last fight I feel that was somehow the end of a cycle, the talk and love that @danawhite show to me and my team after my fight makes me excited to the future will bring for me in the @ufc"
Check out Alex Pereira's comments below:
Pereira entered the octagon for the first time this year when he defeated Jamahal Hill via first-round knockout at UFC 300 in April. He returned two and a half months later at UFC 303, defeating Jiri Prochazka via second-round TKO. 'Poatan's final title defense came last weekend as he defeated Khalil Rountree via fourth-round TKO at UFC 307.