Former UFC champion gets "jumped" by Alex Pereira and Hans Molenkamp
Alex Pereira and Hans Molenkamp recently put Daniel Cormier's wrestling credentials to the test. Molenkamp is a brand executive who is in charge of the combat sports division at Monster Energy. The company is a major sponsor of the UFC, displaying their famous green stripes logo in the middle of the octagon.
In a video posted by Molenkamp on Instagram, Cormier can be seen trying to avoid getting taken to the ground by Pereira and the Monster Energy exec.
Watch the video below:
The trio were in attendance at a Monster Energy event, which also sponsors many high-profile athletes in the UFC. Fighters like Daniel Cormier, Jorge Masvidal, Brandon Moreno and Justin Gaethje are all sponsored by the beverage giant.
Alex Pereira is the latest addition to their roster. The Brazilian knockout artist recently claimed the middleweight crown by defeating Israel Adesanya at UFC 281 in New York City.
Charles Oliveira names Alex Pereira as his "Fighter of the Year"
Alex Pereira recently received high praise from Charles Oliveira. The former lightweight champion hailed his countryman as 2022's Fighter of the Year, citing 'Poatan's incredible rise this past year, culminating in a title-winning performance against Israel Adesanya at UFC 281.
Replying to UFC legend Michael Bisping's question on Twitter, Oliveira opined that Pereira deserves to be recognized as the promotion's top athlete in 2022. Highlighting how the former kickboxing champion beat a long-reigning titleholder in the UFC, 'do Bronx' tweeted:
"Alex Poatan @AlexPereiraUFC. The man beat a great & very talented champ to capture the 185 belt"
Alex Poatan @AlexPereiraUFC
The man beat a great & very talented champ to capture the 185 belt twitter.com/bisping/status…
Alex Pereira has undoubtedly enjoyed a successful year. His three-fight run in 2022 started with an impressive unanimous decision win over Bruno Silva, followed by a knockout win over Sean Strickland to enter the rankings. 'Poatan' then beat Israel Adesanya in the final round of their championship clash to become the new UFC middleweight king.
Considering Adesanya's prior accomplishments inside the octagon, a rematch between the two bitter rivals will likely be underway next year. Pereira has already revealed that he is looking to return to action next summer.
Alex Pereira says he would like to return somewhere between May and July next year.
#TheMMAHour https://t.co/Wq8JaMKoF5